Tsadra Foundation Advanced Contemplative Scholarships - User contributions [en]

20250722162536-Victor -Roithmann-Submission

2025-08-01T01:29:55Z

Victor.Roithmann: User:Victor.Roithmann

{{SavedApplication
|status=Submitted
|Submissiondate=2025-07-22
|Submissionyear=2025
|page=20250722162536-Victor -Roithmann-Submission
|firstname=Victor
|lastname=Roithmann
|birthdate=1997-03-14
|birthcountry=Brazil
|nationality=Brazil
|street=Rua Eça de Queiroz
|street2=444 ap 301
|city=Porto Alegre
|stateprov=RS
|postalcode=90670020
|country=Brazil
|email=victor.roithmann@gmail.com
|telephone=+9779702638890
|retreattype=Three-year retreat
|center=Gomde Pyrénées
|centerstreet=Mas Can Pere Correou
|centerstreet2=RD13
|centercity=La Bastide
|centerstateprov=Pyrénées-Orientales
|centerpostalcode=66110
|centercountry=France
|startdate=2026-06-01
|enddate=2029-12-31
|retreatmaster=Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche and Drupön Lama Tenzin Sangpo
|retreatadministrator=Mikk Tamme
|retreatadministratoremail=mikk@gomde.fr
|retreatliaison=Mikk Tamme
|retreatliaisonemail=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|cvedu=High School Diploma - Colégio Monteiro Lobato, Brazil (2014)
Translator Training Project (TTP) - Rangjung Yeshe Institute, Nepal (2020)
Bachelor of Arts in Buddhist Studies and Himalayan Languages - Rangjung Yeshe Institute, Nepal (2022)
Master of Arts in Translation, Textual Interpretation and Philology (TTIP) - Rangjung Yeshe Institute, Nepal (Expected August 2025)
Permaculture Design Course (PDC) - Instituto Na Luum, Brazil (2016)
200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training - Vinyasayogashala, Rishikesh, India (2018).
|cvwork=Oral Interpreter - Multiple Dharma institutions, Samye International, Samye Malaysia (2025)
Online Tibetan Language Teacher - Self-employed (2025)
Intermediate Classical Tibetan Summer Course Teaching Assistant - Rangjung Yeshe Institute (2024)
|studiedtibetan=Yes
|spokentibcomprehension=Excellent command
|writtentibcomprehension=Near native skills
|tibetanrequiredforretreat=Not required
|tibetanretreatparts=Instructions will be given in Tibetan but there will be a translator.
The texts and teaching materials are translated to English.
Group practice (twice a month) will be chanted in Tibetan.
Individual practice can be chanted in Tibetan or in English
|otherlanguage1=Portuguese
|otherlanguage1Prof=Native command
|otherlanguage2=English
|otherlanguage2Prof=Near native command
|otherlanguage3=Spanish
|otherlanguage3Prof=Near native command
|otherlanguage4=Tibetan
|otherlanguage4Prof=Excellent command
|otherlanguage5=Nepali
|otherlanguage5Prof=Basic communication skills
|introbuddhism=I've first started to study buddhism by myself through books and internet articles at around 11 years old, soon after when I was 12 I started to do regular Zazen practices at a Sōtō Zen-shu center near my house in Porto Alegre, Brasil, called 'Via Zen' under the guidence of resident Nun Shoden. Soon after that I attended short retreats at the center's rural location, 'Vila Zen' one under the guidance of Coen Roshi, the national supervisor of this specific tradition when I was 14 and later another retreat with 'Via Zen' main teacher, Monk Dengaku at 18 years old. It was only when arriving at Kathmandu though at 19 years old that I took formal refuge and started to devote myself basically full time to pratice and study, starting this process under Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's guidance.
|refugehistory=I first took refuge with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche in November 2016 when I was 19 years old.
|formalvows=Yes
|formalvowsdetails=I've taken the lay precepts from Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche in 2016, and took Bodhisatva and tantric vows during Chokling Rinpoche's Tukdrub Barchel kunsel 10 days empowerments in 2016 as well, a few months later during the Kalachakra empowerment in Bodhgaya in January H.H the Dalai Lama also gave a formal ceremony where I took both Bodhisattva and tantric vows again. I've renewed these vows on many occasions throughout the years living in Nepal.
|ngondrocomplete=Yes
|ngondro1=Not applied - Technical problem
|ngondro1begin=2018-06-10
|ngondro1end=2025-07-30
|ngondronotes=I have not completed the Ngondro yet. I only choose yes since there is a technical problem with this form, I've tried saving it by choosing 'no' but then this section does not appear as completed. Since I've also noticed that when saving sometimes the next section information gets errased, I will post my answer to it here as well: I began the Tukdrub Barchey Kunsel Ngöndro in October 2018 after having the wish to do so for over a year and receiving indications that the time was appropriate. I consulted with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, who blessed me and confirmed it would be good to proceed. I then started practicing the long version, accumulating prostrations daily without missing a single day until early 2021.
Retreats and Intensive Practice (2018-2020): In 2018, I did short retreats whenever possible during my studies and learned more about the practice by attending sessions of the month-long Ngöndro retreat at Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling in December 2018-January 2019. In summer 2019, I completed a one-month solitary retreat at Asura Cave Practice Center accumulating prostrations. I attended almost the entire one-month Ngöndro retreat in December 2019-January 2020, missing only a few sessions when Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche gave a Phowa retreat simultaneously. During these retreats, we practiced in Ka-Nying Lhakhang guided by Lama Öpak and the monastic community with hundreds of attendees from the local Nepali Sangha, receiving teachings on each Ngöndro part and practicing them together.
Completion and Pause: I finished the prostration accumulations in 2020 during the pandemic in Brazil. However, due to online studies, work commitments, and living with family, I stopped my daily Ngöndro commitment and accumulations. I never stopped my daily samaya commitments of practicing the Gyunkyi Koljang (the concise daily practice of Tukdrub Barchey Kunsel), maintaining daily morning meditation sessions, sometimes embracing the long Ngöndro version without counting accumulations.
Recent Attempts and Future Plans: In 2023, I attempted to start accumulating the 100,000 Bodhicitta but had to set it aside due to demanding M.A. commitments. I focused on studies while maintaining certain practices. As I'm finishing my M.A. thesis in August and joining teachings and retreat at the 3-year retreat site at Gomde Pyrenees with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche and Drubpön Lama Tenzin Sangpo (for which I received a scholarship), I plan to resume Ngöndro accumulations from late September onwards.
Current Practice Plan: I will follow a model proposed by my teacher Erik Pema Kunsang: doing 10,000 accumulations of each practice cycle and repeating until 5 × 100,000 is completed. I'll start with 10,000 prostrations, and after completing the first 5 × 10,000 cycle, begin with Bodhicitta since I've already completed the prostrations. I plan to do as many cycles before starting the 3-year retreat, hoping to finish the accumulations through committed daily practice sessions and short retreats during 2025 and longer retreats in 2026.
|previousretreatscomplete=Yes
|previousretreatsdetails=I have completed multiple group and individual retreats although most not exceeding two weeks. Regarding those of one month and longer in 2019 I have completed a one-month individual retreat on the Tukdrub Barchel Kunsel Ngondro at Asura Cave Practice center in Parphing in June, and completed a one-month group retreat on the same topic during December 2019 to January 2020.
|ynadvstudiesprogs=Yes
|advstudiesprogsdetails=I have completed a B.A. in Buddhist Studies and Himalayan Languages at Rangjung Yeshe Institute (RYI) from 2017 to 2022, where I also had the opportunity to complete the Translation Training Program (TTP) in 2020, focusing on learning how to interpret from Tibetan to English with training sessions led by Lopöns from Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling monastery.
I am currently concluding a two-year M.A. in Translation, Textual Interpretation and Philology at RYI, where I have chosen as my thesis subject the translation of a 12th century commentary on the "Mi ba lam khyer" ('Taking Dreams Onto the Path'), one of the six yogas from the Bon tantric system of the Mother Tantra, Ma rgyud thugs rje nyi ma.
|ynofferedservices=Yes
|offeredservicesdetails=Translation and Interpretation Work (2018-present): I have primarily served through interpretation and translation work on a voluntary basis. I began interpreting for Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's Annual Fall Seminars into Portuguese in 2018, starting with Drubpön Lama Tenzin Sangpo and Tomas Doctor. From 2019 onwards, I have interpreted for Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche during all fall seminars (except 2022 when I was in Brazil interpreting for Khamtak Rinpoche) and other teachings including summer seminars in Europe online. These have always been on a voluntary basis, although in recent years, interpreters have begun receiving donations from Shedrub Mandala.
I have interpreted for Erik Pema Kunsang on multiple occasions, being his first interpreter into Portuguese and introducing him to the now-thriving Brazilian sangha. I volunteered as a backup interpreter during the annual Ngöndro retreat (2019-2020) and provided one month of volunteer interpretation work for the 17th Karmapa Orgyen Trinley Dorje during the Arya Kshema Spring teachings in 2022.
Brazilian Sangha Organization (2019-present): I created and manage a WhatsApp group for Brazilian practitioners connected with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche (March 2019). There I started hosting monthly online group practice sessions of the Buddha Shakyamuni Sadhana of Mipham Rinpoche on the first Sunday of each month. After a break from 2022-2024, I received Rinpoche's full support and blessings to restart these practices. We also use the group to share information about teaching events within the tradition.
Translation Projects: I have translated announcements and materials for Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's Shedrub Mandala and collaborated with Paula Rozing to translate RYI's chant book from English to Portuguese.
Tara Triple Excellence Support (ongoing): I have unofficially supported Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's online meditation program through interpretation of live Q&A sessions into Portuguese, communication and marketing assistance. In 2018, I printed hundreds of program flyers at my own expense for distribution in Brazil. In 2024, I bought and brought products from Nepal to sell in Brazil for fundraising, which were handled by Paula Rozin (Portuguese program leader). The profits of this initiative will be destined for marketing campaigns of TTE in Portuguese and a possible 2026 visit by Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche to Brazil.
|othercommunitywork=Cidade Escola Ayni (2015-2016):
At 18 years old, I volunteered for over 4 months during the inception of 'Cidade Escola Ayni' in Guaporé, Brazil - a community school project based on libertarian pedagogical principles, built entirely using natural construction methods.
Volunteering in Nepal (2016):
During my first trip to Nepal at age 19, I volunteered at a children's school and orphanage in Kathmandu for several weeks. While I later became aware of the problematic aspects of some volunteer tourism (such as displacing local workers and creating dependency rather than sustainable development), I was genuinely motivated to help at the time.
Education Fundraising (2018-2019):
I helped fundraise among RYI students and Dharma friends to support a young Nepali friend's high school education when his family faced financial difficulties.
Atlantic Forest Açaí Documentary:
Upon invitation from friend Tomaz Martins, I helped produce a short documentary about the sustainable use of Açaí Jussara in Brazil's heavily deforested Atlantic Forest. I worked on fundraising, conceptual planning, and locating communities for filming. The project aimed to raise awareness about transforming the Açaí palm from an endangered tree (illegally harvested for palm hearts) into a sustainable food source, featuring stories of a former illegal cutter turned local producer and the indigenous community Guyra Nhendu. This work aligns with my belief in finding solutions that promote sustainable human presence while preserving nature in Brazil, where colonial legacies continue driving environmental destruction for agribusiness profits, turning the country into one of the world's largest food commodity exporters while actively promoting hunger among its own population.
[Documentary teaser: https://shorturl.at/ATMet]
Rio Grande do Sul Flooding Relief (2024):
While I was away in Nepal, Rio Grande do Sul was hit by unprecedented flooding caused by global warming, affecting parts of the state totaling roughly the size of England, including 10 days of flooding in areas of my city Porto Alegre. Besides making donations, I helped compile lists of affected marginalized communities - including indigenous communities, Quilombolas (communities formed by fugitive slaves during Brazil's slavery period), and MTST solidarity kitchens - sharing these with friends and Dharma communities in Brazil and abroad for targeted assistance.
|retreatduration=43
|StartFunding=2026-06-01
|EndFunding=2029-12-31
|costestimateCurrency=EUR
|costestimate=37000
|requestedamountCurrency=EUR
|requestedamount=25,900
|othermoney=Crowdfunding Initiative: My primary funding strategy involves a crowdfunding campaign in both English and Portuguese. As a symbolic exchange for donations, I will offer a Tibetan language course covering alphabet basics, recitation training, and common vocabulary. For more advanced students, I have compiled an extensive list of useful learning and translation resources. Since teaching Tibetan has been my main occupation for the past 2.5 years, I believe this will be an interesting and valuable addition to the crowdfunding campaign. I plan to promote this through social media and sangha networks.
Having recently received approval to join the retreat while completing my M.A. thesis, I have not yet launched this campaign and cannot predict the exact amount it will raise.
Personal and Family Resources: My family has indicated they could contribute 10-15% of the total retreat costs to help cover any remaining funding gaps after scholarship and crowdfunding efforts. Additionally, I have approximately $2,000 USD in emergency savings that could be accessed if necessary, though I would prefer to preserve this for post-retreat needs.
Funding Request: Given the extremely high costs relative to Brazil's socio-economic reality and our devalued currency against the Euro, and considering that I am just graduating without significant accumulated wealth, I am requesting scholarship support for 70% of the retreat costs (€25,900). Without having such a foundational guarantee, it might not be realistic to proceed with the retreat given the financial constraints. This scholarship would serve as the essential enabler that makes the retreat feasible, while I work to secure the remaining funds through crowdfunding and eventual family support. My goal is to minimize dependence on the scholarship through successful fundraising efforts, with any excess funds from crowdfunding being used to reduce the scholarship requirement, thereby allowing Tsadra Foundation resources to support additional practitioners.
I deeply appreciate your consideration of this application and the opportunity to pursue this transformative practice.
|letterofmotivation=To the Tsadra Foundation Scholarship Committee,
With gratitude for the outstanding contributions to Western contemplative practices this institution has offered, I write to share my heartfelt wish to join the upcoming 3-year retreat at Gomde Pyrenees under the guidance of my teacher, Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche.
Since a young age, I have felt the call for spiritual practice. In one sense, I was moved by my own personal suffering, and the unnecessary suffering I felt permeated the world. In another sense, I was filled with deep curiosity—I felt there must be more to the ordinary way of seeing life and perceiving reality. This led me to begin meditation practice, at first through books and videos, and later through practicing zazen in the Sōtō Zen-shū tradition. I attended my first retreat at 13 years old, which gave me a taste of practice that had everlasting effects.
After discovering Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling in 2016 at 19 years old and meeting my teachers—Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, Phakchok Rinpoche, and Chokling Rinpoche—this experience deeply touched and transformed me. I decided to devote myself full-time to the study and practice of Buddhism, joining RYI and focusing on the Tibetan language, as I felt it could be one of the best ways to contribute to Dharma, especially in Brazil, where we don't have many Tibetan translators.
It was also during this time that I came to know about the existence of three-year retreats through my friendship with previous retreatants and hearing their experiences. From then, I gave rise to the deep aspiration to be able to join one as well. Although aware of impermanence, my goals became clear: to complete my studies at RYI, master the Tibetan language, and engage in a long retreat afterwards.
Now the conditions for this aspiration to be fulfilled are coming together. As I stand to finish over 7 years of study, while still young but having acquired more maturity in my understanding of the Dharma, while my parents are still healthy enough to not need my care, and while purposefully not having immersed myself in marriage and having children, I feel this is the most beneficial and meaningful path I could engage in at this moment—for both myself and others. Following Gampopa's aspiration, I feel my mind has turned towards the Dharma, and now I want to be fully dedicated that it may truly become the path, that it may clear away confusion, dawning as wisdom. There is nothing I long more than to tame this mind and recognize its nature, expanding the qualities of compassion and love.
With all this in mind, I hope that through this retreat I may become more able to benefit others, even if in a small way, in whatever manner possible, or at least cut through as many self-centered habits that can be harmful to any being.
I deeply appreciate the opportunity that is being offered and your time in considering this application.

Victor Algeri Roithmann
|FileHaveAcceptLetterUpld=2025-07-28_Victor_Roithmann_-_Acceptance_Letter.pdf
|AcceptLetterAuthorFirst=Drubpon Lama Tenzin
|AcceptLetterAuthorLast=Sangpo
|AcceptLetterEmail=lamatenzinsangpo@gmail.com
|AcceptLetterPhone=N/A
|FileHaveRetreatBudgCostUpld=2025-07-28_Victor_Roithmann_-_Retreat_Costs.pdf
|CostLetterAuthorFirst=Mikk
|CostLetterAuthorLast=Tamme
|CostLetterEmail=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|CostLetterPhone=+3725531133.
|FileHaveEligibilityDocsUpld=2025-08-1_Victor_Roithmann_-_Eligibility_Requirements.pdf
|FileHaveCVUpld=2025-08-1_Victor_Roithmann_-_CV_Resume.pdf
|FileHaveDharmaCVUpld=2025-08-1_Victor_Roithmann_-_Dharma_Resume.pdf
|FileHavePhotoUpld=2025-07-31_Victor_Roithmann_-_Photo.jpg
|FileHaveDescriptFinSitUpld=2025-08-1_Victor_Roithmann_-_Financial_Situation.pdf
|recom1NameFirst=Lama Maitri
|recom1NameLast=Maite Castellano
|recom1Email=maite.duendecilla@gmail.com
|recom1Relate=Kalyāṇamitra
|recom2NameFirst=Tomaz
|recom2NameLast=Martins
|recom2Email=tomaz@macaix.com
|recom2Relate=Friend
}}

20250722162536-Victor -Roithmann-Submission

2025-08-01T01:29:55Z

Victor.Roithmann: User:Victor.Roithmann

{{SavedApplication
|status=Complete
|Submissiondate=2025-07-22
|Submissionyear=2025
|page=20250722162536-Victor -Roithmann-Submission
|firstname=Victor
|lastname=Roithmann
|birthdate=1997-03-14
|birthcountry=Brazil
|nationality=Brazil
|street=Rua Eça de Queiroz
|street2=444 ap 301
|city=Porto Alegre
|stateprov=RS
|postalcode=90670020
|country=Brazil
|email=victor.roithmann@gmail.com
|telephone=+9779702638890
|retreattype=Three-year retreat
|center=Gomde Pyrénées
|centerstreet=Mas Can Pere Correou
|centerstreet2=RD13
|centercity=La Bastide
|centerstateprov=Pyrénées-Orientales
|centerpostalcode=66110
|centercountry=France
|startdate=2026-06-01
|enddate=2029-12-31
|retreatmaster=Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche and Drupön Lama Tenzin Sangpo
|retreatadministrator=Mikk Tamme
|retreatadministratoremail=mikk@gomde.fr
|retreatliaison=Mikk Tamme
|retreatliaisonemail=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|cvedu=High School Diploma - Colégio Monteiro Lobato, Brazil (2014)
Translator Training Project (TTP) - Rangjung Yeshe Institute, Nepal (2020)
Bachelor of Arts in Buddhist Studies and Himalayan Languages - Rangjung Yeshe Institute, Nepal (2022)
Master of Arts in Translation, Textual Interpretation and Philology (TTIP) - Rangjung Yeshe Institute, Nepal (Expected August 2025)
Permaculture Design Course (PDC) - Instituto Na Luum, Brazil (2016)
200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training - Vinyasayogashala, Rishikesh, India (2018).
|cvwork=Oral Interpreter - Multiple Dharma institutions, Samye International, Samye Malaysia (2025)
Online Tibetan Language Teacher - Self-employed (2025)
Intermediate Classical Tibetan Summer Course Teaching Assistant - Rangjung Yeshe Institute (2024)
|studiedtibetan=Yes
|spokentibcomprehension=Excellent command
|writtentibcomprehension=Near native skills
|tibetanrequiredforretreat=Not required
|tibetanretreatparts=Instructions will be given in Tibetan but there will be a translator.
The texts and teaching materials are translated to English.
Group practice (twice a month) will be chanted in Tibetan.
Individual practice can be chanted in Tibetan or in English
|otherlanguage1=Portuguese
|otherlanguage1Prof=Native command
|otherlanguage2=English
|otherlanguage2Prof=Near native command
|otherlanguage3=Spanish
|otherlanguage3Prof=Near native command
|otherlanguage4=Tibetan
|otherlanguage4Prof=Excellent command
|otherlanguage5=Nepali
|otherlanguage5Prof=Basic communication skills
|introbuddhism=I've first started to study buddhism by myself through books and internet articles at around 11 years old, soon after when I was 12 I started to do regular Zazen practices at a Sōtō Zen-shu center near my house in Porto Alegre, Brasil, called 'Via Zen' under the guidence of resident Nun Shoden. Soon after that I attended short retreats at the center's rural location, 'Vila Zen' one under the guidance of Coen Roshi, the national supervisor of this specific tradition when I was 14 and later another retreat with 'Via Zen' main teacher, Monk Dengaku at 18 years old. It was only when arriving at Kathmandu though at 19 years old that I took formal refuge and started to devote myself basically full time to pratice and study, starting this process under Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's guidance.
|refugehistory=I first took refuge with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche in November 2016 when I was 19 years old.
|formalvows=Yes
|formalvowsdetails=I've taken the lay precepts from Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche in 2016, and took Bodhisatva and tantric vows during Chokling Rinpoche's Tukdrub Barchel kunsel 10 days empowerments in 2016 as well, a few months later during the Kalachakra empowerment in Bodhgaya in January H.H the Dalai Lama also gave a formal ceremony where I took both Bodhisattva and tantric vows again. I've renewed these vows on many occasions throughout the years living in Nepal.
|ngondrocomplete=Yes
|ngondro1=Not applied - Technical problem
|ngondro1begin=2018-06-10
|ngondro1end=2025-07-30
|ngondronotes=I have not completed the Ngondro yet. I only choose yes since there is a technical problem with this form, I've tried saving it by choosing 'no' but then this section does not appear as completed. Since I've also noticed that when saving sometimes the next section information gets errased, I will post my answer to it here as well: I began the Tukdrub Barchey Kunsel Ngöndro in October 2018 after having the wish to do so for over a year and receiving indications that the time was appropriate. I consulted with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, who blessed me and confirmed it would be good to proceed. I then started practicing the long version, accumulating prostrations daily without missing a single day until early 2021.
Retreats and Intensive Practice (2018-2020): In 2018, I did short retreats whenever possible during my studies and learned more about the practice by attending sessions of the month-long Ngöndro retreat at Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling in December 2018-January 2019. In summer 2019, I completed a one-month solitary retreat at Asura Cave Practice Center accumulating prostrations. I attended almost the entire one-month Ngöndro retreat in December 2019-January 2020, missing only a few sessions when Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche gave a Phowa retreat simultaneously. During these retreats, we practiced in Ka-Nying Lhakhang guided by Lama Öpak and the monastic community with hundreds of attendees from the local Nepali Sangha, receiving teachings on each Ngöndro part and practicing them together.
Completion and Pause: I finished the prostration accumulations in 2020 during the pandemic in Brazil. However, due to online studies, work commitments, and living with family, I stopped my daily Ngöndro commitment and accumulations. I never stopped my daily samaya commitments of practicing the Gyunkyi Koljang (the concise daily practice of Tukdrub Barchey Kunsel), maintaining daily morning meditation sessions, sometimes embracing the long Ngöndro version without counting accumulations.
Recent Attempts and Future Plans: In 2023, I attempted to start accumulating the 100,000 Bodhicitta but had to set it aside due to demanding M.A. commitments. I focused on studies while maintaining certain practices. As I'm finishing my M.A. thesis in August and joining teachings and retreat at the 3-year retreat site at Gomde Pyrenees with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche and Drubpön Lama Tenzin Sangpo (for which I received a scholarship), I plan to resume Ngöndro accumulations from late September onwards.
Current Practice Plan: I will follow a model proposed by my teacher Erik Pema Kunsang: doing 10,000 accumulations of each practice cycle and repeating until 5 × 100,000 is completed. I'll start with 10,000 prostrations, and after completing the first 5 × 10,000 cycle, begin with Bodhicitta since I've already completed the prostrations. I plan to do as many cycles before starting the 3-year retreat, hoping to finish the accumulations through committed daily practice sessions and short retreats during 2025 and longer retreats in 2026.
|previousretreatscomplete=Yes
|previousretreatsdetails=I have completed multiple group and individual retreats although most not exceeding two weeks. Regarding those of one month and longer in 2019 I have completed a one-month individual retreat on the Tukdrub Barchel Kunsel Ngondro at Asura Cave Practice center in Parphing in June, and completed a one-month group retreat on the same topic during December 2019 to January 2020.
|ynadvstudiesprogs=Yes
|advstudiesprogsdetails=I have completed a B.A. in Buddhist Studies and Himalayan Languages at Rangjung Yeshe Institute (RYI) from 2017 to 2022, where I also had the opportunity to complete the Translation Training Program (TTP) in 2020, focusing on learning how to interpret from Tibetan to English with training sessions led by Lopöns from Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling monastery.
I am currently concluding a two-year M.A. in Translation, Textual Interpretation and Philology at RYI, where I have chosen as my thesis subject the translation of a 12th century commentary on the "Mi ba lam khyer" ('Taking Dreams Onto the Path'), one of the six yogas from the Bon tantric system of the Mother Tantra, Ma rgyud thugs rje nyi ma.
|ynofferedservices=Yes
|offeredservicesdetails=Translation and Interpretation Work (2018-present): I have primarily served through interpretation and translation work on a voluntary basis. I began interpreting for Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's Annual Fall Seminars into Portuguese in 2018, starting with Drubpön Lama Tenzin Sangpo and Tomas Doctor. From 2019 onwards, I have interpreted for Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche during all fall seminars (except 2022 when I was in Brazil interpreting for Khamtak Rinpoche) and other teachings including summer seminars in Europe online. These have always been on a voluntary basis, although in recent years, interpreters have begun receiving donations from Shedrub Mandala.
I have interpreted for Erik Pema Kunsang on multiple occasions, being his first interpreter into Portuguese and introducing him to the now-thriving Brazilian sangha. I volunteered as a backup interpreter during the annual Ngöndro retreat (2019-2020) and provided one month of volunteer interpretation work for the 17th Karmapa Orgyen Trinley Dorje during the Arya Kshema Spring teachings in 2022.
Brazilian Sangha Organization (2019-present): I created and manage a WhatsApp group for Brazilian practitioners connected with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche (March 2019). There I started hosting monthly online group practice sessions of the Buddha Shakyamuni Sadhana of Mipham Rinpoche on the first Sunday of each month. After a break from 2022-2024, I received Rinpoche's full support and blessings to restart these practices. We also use the group to share information about teaching events within the tradition.
Translation Projects: I have translated announcements and materials for Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's Shedrub Mandala and collaborated with Paula Rozing to translate RYI's chant book from English to Portuguese.
Tara Triple Excellence Support (ongoing): I have unofficially supported Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's online meditation program through interpretation of live Q&A sessions into Portuguese, communication and marketing assistance. In 2018, I printed hundreds of program flyers at my own expense for distribution in Brazil. In 2024, I bought and brought products from Nepal to sell in Brazil for fundraising, which were handled by Paula Rozin (Portuguese program leader). The profits of this initiative will be destined for marketing campaigns of TTE in Portuguese and a possible 2026 visit by Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche to Brazil.
|othercommunitywork=Cidade Escola Ayni (2015-2016):
At 18 years old, I volunteered for over 4 months during the inception of 'Cidade Escola Ayni' in Guaporé, Brazil - a community school project based on libertarian pedagogical principles, built entirely using natural construction methods.
Volunteering in Nepal (2016):
During my first trip to Nepal at age 19, I volunteered at a children's school and orphanage in Kathmandu for several weeks. While I later became aware of the problematic aspects of some volunteer tourism (such as displacing local workers and creating dependency rather than sustainable development), I was genuinely motivated to help at the time.
Education Fundraising (2018-2019):
I helped fundraise among RYI students and Dharma friends to support a young Nepali friend's high school education when his family faced financial difficulties.
Atlantic Forest Açaí Documentary:
Upon invitation from friend Tomaz Martins, I helped produce a short documentary about the sustainable use of Açaí Jussara in Brazil's heavily deforested Atlantic Forest. I worked on fundraising, conceptual planning, and locating communities for filming. The project aimed to raise awareness about transforming the Açaí palm from an endangered tree (illegally harvested for palm hearts) into a sustainable food source, featuring stories of a former illegal cutter turned local producer and the indigenous community Guyra Nhendu. This work aligns with my belief in finding solutions that promote sustainable human presence while preserving nature in Brazil, where colonial legacies continue driving environmental destruction for agribusiness profits, turning the country into one of the world's largest food commodity exporters while actively promoting hunger among its own population.
[Documentary teaser: https://shorturl.at/ATMet]
Rio Grande do Sul Flooding Relief (2024):
While I was away in Nepal, Rio Grande do Sul was hit by unprecedented flooding caused by global warming, affecting parts of the state totaling roughly the size of England, including 10 days of flooding in areas of my city Porto Alegre. Besides making donations, I helped compile lists of affected marginalized communities - including indigenous communities, Quilombolas (communities formed by fugitive slaves during Brazil's slavery period), and MTST solidarity kitchens - sharing these with friends and Dharma communities in Brazil and abroad for targeted assistance.
|retreatduration=43
|StartFunding=2026-06-01
|EndFunding=2029-12-31
|costestimateCurrency=EUR
|costestimate=37000
|requestedamountCurrency=EUR
|requestedamount=25,900
|othermoney=Crowdfunding Initiative: My primary funding strategy involves a crowdfunding campaign in both English and Portuguese. As a symbolic exchange for donations, I will offer a Tibetan language course covering alphabet basics, recitation training, and common vocabulary. For more advanced students, I have compiled an extensive list of useful learning and translation resources. Since teaching Tibetan has been my main occupation for the past 2.5 years, I believe this will be an interesting and valuable addition to the crowdfunding campaign. I plan to promote this through social media and sangha networks.
Having recently received approval to join the retreat while completing my M.A. thesis, I have not yet launched this campaign and cannot predict the exact amount it will raise.
Personal and Family Resources: My family has indicated they could contribute 10-15% of the total retreat costs to help cover any remaining funding gaps after scholarship and crowdfunding efforts. Additionally, I have approximately $2,000 USD in emergency savings that could be accessed if necessary, though I would prefer to preserve this for post-retreat needs.
Funding Request: Given the extremely high costs relative to Brazil's socio-economic reality and our devalued currency against the Euro, and considering that I am just graduating without significant accumulated wealth, I am requesting scholarship support for 70% of the retreat costs (€25,900). Without having such a foundational guarantee, it might not be realistic to proceed with the retreat given the financial constraints. This scholarship would serve as the essential enabler that makes the retreat feasible, while I work to secure the remaining funds through crowdfunding and eventual family support. My goal is to minimize dependence on the scholarship through successful fundraising efforts, with any excess funds from crowdfunding being used to reduce the scholarship requirement, thereby allowing Tsadra Foundation resources to support additional practitioners.
I deeply appreciate your consideration of this application and the opportunity to pursue this transformative practice.
|letterofmotivation=To the Tsadra Foundation Scholarship Committee,
With gratitude for the outstanding contributions to Western contemplative practices this institution has offered, I write to share my heartfelt wish to join the upcoming 3-year retreat at Gomde Pyrenees under the guidance of my teacher, Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche.
Since a young age, I have felt the call for spiritual practice. In one sense, I was moved by my own personal suffering, and the unnecessary suffering I felt permeated the world. In another sense, I was filled with deep curiosity—I felt there must be more to the ordinary way of seeing life and perceiving reality. This led me to begin meditation practice, at first through books and videos, and later through practicing zazen in the Sōtō Zen-shū tradition. I attended my first retreat at 13 years old, which gave me a taste of practice that had everlasting effects.
After discovering Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling in 2016 at 19 years old and meeting my teachers—Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, Phakchok Rinpoche, and Chokling Rinpoche—this experience deeply touched and transformed me. I decided to devote myself full-time to the study and practice of Buddhism, joining RYI and focusing on the Tibetan language, as I felt it could be one of the best ways to contribute to Dharma, especially in Brazil, where we don't have many Tibetan translators.
It was also during this time that I came to know about the existence of three-year retreats through my friendship with previous retreatants and hearing their experiences. From then, I gave rise to the deep aspiration to be able to join one as well. Although aware of impermanence, my goals became clear: to complete my studies at RYI, master the Tibetan language, and engage in a long retreat afterwards.
Now the conditions for this aspiration to be fulfilled are coming together. As I stand to finish over 7 years of study, while still young but having acquired more maturity in my understanding of the Dharma, while my parents are still healthy enough to not need my care, and while purposefully not having immersed myself in marriage and having children, I feel this is the most beneficial and meaningful path I could engage in at this moment—for both myself and others. Following Gampopa's aspiration, I feel my mind has turned towards the Dharma, and now I want to be fully dedicated that it may truly become the path, that it may clear away confusion, dawning as wisdom. There is nothing I long more than to tame this mind and recognize its nature, expanding the qualities of compassion and love.
With all this in mind, I hope that through this retreat I may become more able to benefit others, even if in a small way, in whatever manner possible, or at least cut through as many self-centered habits that can be harmful to any being.
I deeply appreciate the opportunity that is being offered and your time in considering this application.

Victor Algeri Roithmann
|FileHaveAcceptLetterUpld=2025-07-28_Victor_Roithmann_-_Acceptance_Letter.pdf
|AcceptLetterAuthorFirst=Drubpon Lama Tenzin
|AcceptLetterAuthorLast=Sangpo
|AcceptLetterEmail=lamatenzinsangpo@gmail.com
|AcceptLetterPhone=N/A
|FileHaveRetreatBudgCostUpld=2025-07-28_Victor_Roithmann_-_Retreat_Costs.pdf
|CostLetterAuthorFirst=Mikk
|CostLetterAuthorLast=Tamme
|CostLetterEmail=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|CostLetterPhone=+3725531133.
|FileHaveEligibilityDocsUpld=2025-08-1_Victor_Roithmann_-_Eligibility_Requirements.pdf
|FileHaveCVUpld=2025-08-1_Victor_Roithmann_-_CV_Resume.pdf
|FileHaveDharmaCVUpld=2025-08-1_Victor_Roithmann_-_Dharma_Resume.pdf
|FileHavePhotoUpld=2025-07-31_Victor_Roithmann_-_Photo.jpg
|FileHaveDescriptFinSitUpld=2025-08-1_Victor_Roithmann_-_Financial_Situation.pdf
|recom1NameFirst=Lama Maitri
|recom1NameLast=Maite Castellano
|recom1Email=maite.duendecilla@gmail.com
|recom1Relate=Kalyāṇamitra
|recom2NameFirst=Tomaz
|recom2NameLast=Martins
|recom2Email=tomaz@macaix.com
|recom2Relate=Friend
}}

20250722162536-Victor -Roithmann-Submission

2025-08-01T01:28:56Z

Victor.Roithmann: User:Victor.Roithmann

{{SavedApplication
|status=Complete
|Submissiondate=2025-07-22
|Submissionyear=2025
|firstname=Victor
|lastname=Roithmann
|birthdate=1997-03-14
|birthcountry=Brazil
|nationality=Brazil
|street=Rua Eça de Queiroz
|street2=444 ap 301
|city=Porto Alegre
|stateprov=RS
|postalcode=90670020
|country=Brazil
|email=victor.roithmann@gmail.com
|telephone=+9779702638890
|retreattype=Three-year retreat
|center=Gomde Pyrénées
|centerstreet=Mas Can Pere Correou
|centerstreet2=RD13
|centercity=La Bastide
|centerstateprov=Pyrénées-Orientales
|centerpostalcode=66110
|centercountry=France
|startdate=2026-06-01
|enddate=2029-12-31
|retreatmaster=Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche and Drupön Lama Tenzin Sangpo
|retreatadministrator=Mikk Tamme
|retreatadministratoremail=mikk@gomde.fr
|retreatliaison=Mikk Tamme
|retreatliaisonemail=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|cvedu=High School Diploma - Colégio Monteiro Lobato, Brazil (2014)
Translator Training Project (TTP) - Rangjung Yeshe Institute, Nepal (2020)
Bachelor of Arts in Buddhist Studies and Himalayan Languages - Rangjung Yeshe Institute, Nepal (2022)
Master of Arts in Translation, Textual Interpretation and Philology (TTIP) - Rangjung Yeshe Institute, Nepal (Expected August 2025)
Permaculture Design Course (PDC) - Instituto Na Luum, Brazil (2016)
200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training - Vinyasayogashala, Rishikesh, India (2018).
|cvwork=Oral Interpreter - Multiple Dharma institutions, Samye International, Samye Malaysia (2025)
Online Tibetan Language Teacher - Self-employed (2025)
Intermediate Classical Tibetan Summer Course Teaching Assistant - Rangjung Yeshe Institute (2024)
|studiedtibetan=Yes
|spokentibcomprehension=Excellent command
|writtentibcomprehension=Near native skills
|tibetanrequiredforretreat=Not required
|tibetanretreatparts=Instructions will be given in Tibetan but there will be a translator.
The texts and teaching materials are translated to English.
Group practice (twice a month) will be chanted in Tibetan.
Individual practice can be chanted in Tibetan or in English
|otherlanguage1=Portuguese
|otherlanguage1Prof=Native command
|otherlanguage2=English
|otherlanguage2Prof=Near native command
|otherlanguage3=Spanish
|otherlanguage3Prof=Near native command
|otherlanguage4=Tibetan
|otherlanguage4Prof=Excellent command
|otherlanguage5=Nepali
|otherlanguage5Prof=Basic communication skills
|introbuddhism=I've first started to study buddhism by myself through books and internet articles at around 11 years old, soon after when I was 12 I started to do regular Zazen practices at a Sōtō Zen-shu center near my house in Porto Alegre, Brasil, called 'Via Zen' under the guidence of resident Nun Shoden. Soon after that I attended short retreats at the center's rural location, 'Vila Zen' one under the guidance of Coen Roshi, the national supervisor of this specific tradition when I was 14 and later another retreat with 'Via Zen' main teacher, Monk Dengaku at 18 years old. It was only when arriving at Kathmandu though at 19 years old that I took formal refuge and started to devote myself basically full time to pratice and study, starting this process under Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's guidance.
|refugehistory=I first took refuge with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche in November 2016 when I was 19 years old.
|formalvows=Yes
|formalvowsdetails=I've taken the lay precepts from Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche in 2016, and took Bodhisatva and tantric vows during Chokling Rinpoche's Tukdrub Barchel kunsel 10 days empowerments in 2016 as well, a few months later during the Kalachakra empowerment in Bodhgaya in January H.H the Dalai Lama also gave a formal ceremony where I took both Bodhisattva and tantric vows again. I've renewed these vows on many occasions throughout the years living in Nepal.
|ngondrocomplete=Yes
|ngondro1=Not applied - Technical problem
|ngondro1begin=2018-06-10
|ngondro1end=2025-07-30
|ngondronotes=I have not completed the Ngondro yet. I only choose yes since there is a technical problem with this form, I've tried saving it by choosing 'no' but then this section does not appear as completed. Since I've also noticed that when saving sometimes the next section information gets errased, I will post my answer to it here as well: I began the Tukdrub Barchey Kunsel Ngöndro in October 2018 after having the wish to do so for over a year and receiving indications that the time was appropriate. I consulted with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, who blessed me and confirmed it would be good to proceed. I then started practicing the long version, accumulating prostrations daily without missing a single day until early 2021.
Retreats and Intensive Practice (2018-2020): In 2018, I did short retreats whenever possible during my studies and learned more about the practice by attending sessions of the month-long Ngöndro retreat at Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling in December 2018-January 2019. In summer 2019, I completed a one-month solitary retreat at Asura Cave Practice Center accumulating prostrations. I attended almost the entire one-month Ngöndro retreat in December 2019-January 2020, missing only a few sessions when Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche gave a Phowa retreat simultaneously. During these retreats, we practiced in Ka-Nying Lhakhang guided by Lama Öpak and the monastic community with hundreds of attendees from the local Nepali Sangha, receiving teachings on each Ngöndro part and practicing them together.
Completion and Pause: I finished the prostration accumulations in 2020 during the pandemic in Brazil. However, due to online studies, work commitments, and living with family, I stopped my daily Ngöndro commitment and accumulations. I never stopped my daily samaya commitments of practicing the Gyunkyi Koljang (the concise daily practice of Tukdrub Barchey Kunsel), maintaining daily morning meditation sessions, sometimes embracing the long Ngöndro version without counting accumulations.
Recent Attempts and Future Plans: In 2023, I attempted to start accumulating the 100,000 Bodhicitta but had to set it aside due to demanding M.A. commitments. I focused on studies while maintaining certain practices. As I'm finishing my M.A. thesis in August and joining teachings and retreat at the 3-year retreat site at Gomde Pyrenees with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche and Drubpön Lama Tenzin Sangpo (for which I received a scholarship), I plan to resume Ngöndro accumulations from late September onwards.
Current Practice Plan: I will follow a model proposed by my teacher Erik Pema Kunsang: doing 10,000 accumulations of each practice cycle and repeating until 5 × 100,000 is completed. I'll start with 10,000 prostrations, and after completing the first 5 × 10,000 cycle, begin with Bodhicitta since I've already completed the prostrations. I plan to do as many cycles before starting the 3-year retreat, hoping to finish the accumulations through committed daily practice sessions and short retreats during 2025 and longer retreats in 2026.
|previousretreatscomplete=Yes
|previousretreatsdetails=I have completed multiple group and individual retreats although most not exceeding two weeks. Regarding those of one month and longer in 2019 I have completed a one-month individual retreat on the Tukdrub Barchel Kunsel Ngondro at Asura Cave Practice center in Parphing in June, and completed a one-month group retreat on the same topic during December 2019 to January 2020.
|ynadvstudiesprogs=Yes
|advstudiesprogsdetails=I have completed a B.A. in Buddhist Studies and Himalayan Languages at Rangjung Yeshe Institute (RYI) from 2017 to 2022, where I also had the opportunity to complete the Translation Training Program (TTP) in 2020, focusing on learning how to interpret from Tibetan to English with training sessions led by Lopöns from Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling monastery.
I am currently concluding a two-year M.A. in Translation, Textual Interpretation and Philology at RYI, where I have chosen as my thesis subject the translation of a 12th century commentary on the "Mi ba lam khyer" ('Taking Dreams Onto the Path'), one of the six yogas from the Bon tantric system of the Mother Tantra, Ma rgyud thugs rje nyi ma.
|ynofferedservices=Yes
|offeredservicesdetails=Translation and Interpretation Work (2018-present): I have primarily served through interpretation and translation work on a voluntary basis. I began interpreting for Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's Annual Fall Seminars into Portuguese in 2018, starting with Drubpön Lama Tenzin Sangpo and Tomas Doctor. From 2019 onwards, I have interpreted for Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche during all fall seminars (except 2022 when I was in Brazil interpreting for Khamtak Rinpoche) and other teachings including summer seminars in Europe online. These have always been on a voluntary basis, although in recent years, interpreters have begun receiving donations from Shedrub Mandala.
I have interpreted for Erik Pema Kunsang on multiple occasions, being his first interpreter into Portuguese and introducing him to the now-thriving Brazilian sangha. I volunteered as a backup interpreter during the annual Ngöndro retreat (2019-2020) and provided one month of volunteer interpretation work for the 17th Karmapa Orgyen Trinley Dorje during the Arya Kshema Spring teachings in 2022.
Brazilian Sangha Organization (2019-present): I created and manage a WhatsApp group for Brazilian practitioners connected with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche (March 2019). There I started hosting monthly online group practice sessions of the Buddha Shakyamuni Sadhana of Mipham Rinpoche on the first Sunday of each month. After a break from 2022-2024, I received Rinpoche's full support and blessings to restart these practices. We also use the group to share information about teaching events within the tradition.
Translation Projects: I have translated announcements and materials for Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's Shedrub Mandala and collaborated with Paula Rozing to translate RYI's chant book from English to Portuguese.
Tara Triple Excellence Support (ongoing): I have unofficially supported Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's online meditation program through interpretation of live Q&A sessions into Portuguese, communication and marketing assistance. In 2018, I printed hundreds of program flyers at my own expense for distribution in Brazil. In 2024, I bought and brought products from Nepal to sell in Brazil for fundraising, which were handled by Paula Rozin (Portuguese program leader). The profits of this initiative will be destined for marketing campaigns of TTE in Portuguese and a possible 2026 visit by Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche to Brazil.
|othercommunitywork=Cidade Escola Ayni (2015-2016):
At 18 years old, I volunteered for over 4 months during the inception of 'Cidade Escola Ayni' in Guaporé, Brazil - a community school project based on libertarian pedagogical principles, built entirely using natural construction methods.
Volunteering in Nepal (2016):
During my first trip to Nepal at age 19, I volunteered at a children's school and orphanage in Kathmandu for several weeks. While I later became aware of the problematic aspects of some volunteer tourism (such as displacing local workers and creating dependency rather than sustainable development), I was genuinely motivated to help at the time.
Education Fundraising (2018-2019):
I helped fundraise among RYI students and Dharma friends to support a young Nepali friend's high school education when his family faced financial difficulties.
Atlantic Forest Açaí Documentary:
Upon invitation from friend Tomaz Martins, I helped produce a short documentary about the sustainable use of Açaí Jussara in Brazil's heavily deforested Atlantic Forest. I worked on fundraising, conceptual planning, and locating communities for filming. The project aimed to raise awareness about transforming the Açaí palm from an endangered tree (illegally harvested for palm hearts) into a sustainable food source, featuring stories of a former illegal cutter turned local producer and the indigenous community Guyra Nhendu. This work aligns with my belief in finding solutions that promote sustainable human presence while preserving nature in Brazil, where colonial legacies continue driving environmental destruction for agribusiness profits, turning the country into one of the world's largest food commodity exporters while actively promoting hunger among its own population.
[Documentary teaser: https://shorturl.at/ATMet]
Rio Grande do Sul Flooding Relief (2024):
While I was away in Nepal, Rio Grande do Sul was hit by unprecedented flooding caused by global warming, affecting parts of the state totaling roughly the size of England, including 10 days of flooding in areas of my city Porto Alegre. Besides making donations, I helped compile lists of affected marginalized communities - including indigenous communities, Quilombolas (communities formed by fugitive slaves during Brazil's slavery period), and MTST solidarity kitchens - sharing these with friends and Dharma communities in Brazil and abroad for targeted assistance.
|retreatduration=43
|StartFunding=2026-06-01
|EndFunding=2029-12-31
|costestimateCurrency=EUR
|costestimate=37000
|requestedamountCurrency=EUR
|requestedamount=25,900
|othermoney=Crowdfunding Initiative: My primary funding strategy involves a crowdfunding campaign in both English and Portuguese. As a symbolic exchange for donations, I will offer a Tibetan language course covering alphabet basics, recitation training, and common vocabulary. For more advanced students, I have compiled an extensive list of useful learning and translation resources. Since teaching Tibetan has been my main occupation for the past 2.5 years, I believe this will be an interesting and valuable addition to the crowdfunding campaign. I plan to promote this through social media and sangha networks.
Having recently received approval to join the retreat while completing my M.A. thesis, I have not yet launched this campaign and cannot predict the exact amount it will raise.
Personal and Family Resources: My family has indicated they could contribute 10-15% of the total retreat costs to help cover any remaining funding gaps after scholarship and crowdfunding efforts. Additionally, I have approximately $2,000 USD in emergency savings that could be accessed if necessary, though I would prefer to preserve this for post-retreat needs.
Funding Request: Given the extremely high costs relative to Brazil's socio-economic reality and our devalued currency against the Euro, and considering that I am just graduating without significant accumulated wealth, I am requesting scholarship support for 70% of the retreat costs (€25,900). Without having such a foundational guarantee, it might not be realistic to proceed with the retreat given the financial constraints. This scholarship would serve as the essential enabler that makes the retreat feasible, while I work to secure the remaining funds through crowdfunding and eventual family support. My goal is to minimize dependence on the scholarship through successful fundraising efforts, with any excess funds from crowdfunding being used to reduce the scholarship requirement, thereby allowing Tsadra Foundation resources to support additional practitioners.
I deeply appreciate your consideration of this application and the opportunity to pursue this transformative practice.
|letterofmotivation=To the Tsadra Foundation Scholarship Committee,
With gratitude for the outstanding contributions to Western contemplative practices this institution has offered, I write to share my heartfelt wish to join the upcoming 3-year retreat at Gomde Pyrenees under the guidance of my teacher, Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche.
Since a young age, I have felt the call for spiritual practice. In one sense, I was moved by my own personal suffering, and the unnecessary suffering I felt permeated the world. In another sense, I was filled with deep curiosity—I felt there must be more to the ordinary way of seeing life and perceiving reality. This led me to begin meditation practice, at first through books and videos, and later through practicing zazen in the Sōtō Zen-shū tradition. I attended my first retreat at 13 years old, which gave me a taste of practice that had everlasting effects.
After discovering Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling in 2016 at 19 years old and meeting my teachers—Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, Phakchok Rinpoche, and Chokling Rinpoche—this experience deeply touched and transformed me. I decided to devote myself full-time to the study and practice of Buddhism, joining RYI and focusing on the Tibetan language, as I felt it could be one of the best ways to contribute to Dharma, especially in Brazil, where we don't have many Tibetan translators.
It was also during this time that I came to know about the existence of three-year retreats through my friendship with previous retreatants and hearing their experiences. From then, I gave rise to the deep aspiration to be able to join one as well. Although aware of impermanence, my goals became clear: to complete my studies at RYI, master the Tibetan language, and engage in a long retreat afterwards.
Now the conditions for this aspiration to be fulfilled are coming together. As I stand to finish over 7 years of study, while still young but having acquired more maturity in my understanding of the Dharma, while my parents are still healthy enough to not need my care, and while purposefully not having immersed myself in marriage and having children, I feel this is the most beneficial and meaningful path I could engage in at this moment—for both myself and others. Following Gampopa's aspiration, I feel my mind has turned towards the Dharma, and now I want to be fully dedicated that it may truly become the path, that it may clear away confusion, dawning as wisdom. There is nothing I long more than to tame this mind and recognize its nature, expanding the qualities of compassion and love.
With all this in mind, I hope that through this retreat I may become more able to benefit others, even if in a small way, in whatever manner possible, or at least cut through as many self-centered habits that can be harmful to any being.
I deeply appreciate the opportunity that is being offered and your time in considering this application.

Victor Algeri Roithmann
|FileHaveAcceptLetterUpld=2025-07-28_Victor_Roithmann_-_Acceptance_Letter.pdf
|AcceptLetterAuthorFirst=Drubpon Lama Tenzin
|AcceptLetterAuthorLast=Sangpo
|AcceptLetterEmail=lamatenzinsangpo@gmail.com
|AcceptLetterPhone=N/A
|FileHaveRetreatBudgCostUpld=2025-07-28_Victor_Roithmann_-_Retreat_Costs.pdf
|CostLetterAuthorFirst=Mikk
|CostLetterAuthorLast=Tamme
|CostLetterEmail=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|CostLetterPhone=+3725531133.
|FileHaveEligibilityDocsUpld=2025-08-1_Victor_Roithmann_-_Eligibility_Requirements.pdf
|FileHaveCVUpld=2025-08-1_Victor_Roithmann_-_CV_Resume.pdf
|FileHaveDharmaCVUpld=2025-08-1_Victor_Roithmann_-_Dharma_Resume.pdf
|FileHavePhotoUpld=2025-07-31_Victor_Roithmann_-_Photo.jpg
|FileHaveDescriptFinSitUpld=2025-08-1_Victor_Roithmann_-_Financial_Situation.pdf
|recom1NameFirst=Lama Maitri
|recom1NameLast=Maite Castellano
|recom1Email=maite.duendecilla@gmail.com
|recom1Relate=Kalyāṇamitra
|recom2NameFirst=Tomaz
|recom2NameLast=Martins
|recom2Email=tomaz@macaix.com
|recom2Relate=Friend
}}

20250722162536-Victor -Roithmann-Submission

2025-08-01T01:27:05Z

Victor.Roithmann: User:Victor.Roithmann

{{SavedApplication
|status=Saved
|Submissiondate=2025-07-22
|Submissionyear=2025
|firstname=Victor
|lastname=Roithmann
|birthdate=1997-03-14
|birthcountry=Brazil
|nationality=Brazil
|street=Rua Eça de Queiroz
|street2=444 ap 301
|city=Porto Alegre
|stateprov=RS
|postalcode=90670020
|country=Brazil
|email=victor.roithmann@gmail.com
|telephone=+9779702638890
|retreattype=Three-year retreat
|center=Gomde Pyrénées
|centerstreet=Mas Can Pere Correou
|centerstreet2=RD13
|centercity=La Bastide
|centerstateprov=Pyrénées-Orientales
|centerpostalcode=66110
|centercountry=France
|startdate=2026-06-01
|enddate=2029-12-31
|retreatmaster=Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche and Drupön Lama Tenzin Sangpo
|retreatadministrator=Mikk Tamme
|retreatadministratoremail=mikk@gomde.fr
|retreatliaison=Mikk Tamme
|retreatliaisonemail=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|cvedu=High School Diploma - Colégio Monteiro Lobato, Brazil (2014)
Translator Training Project (TTP) - Rangjung Yeshe Institute, Nepal (2020)
Bachelor of Arts in Buddhist Studies and Himalayan Languages - Rangjung Yeshe Institute, Nepal (2022)
Master of Arts in Translation, Textual Interpretation and Philology (TTIP) - Rangjung Yeshe Institute, Nepal (Expected August 2025)
Permaculture Design Course (PDC) - Instituto Na Luum, Brazil (2016)
200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training - Vinyasayogashala, Rishikesh, India (2018).
|cvwork=Oral Interpreter - Multiple Dharma institutions, Samye International, Samye Malaysia (2025)
Online Tibetan Language Teacher - Self-employed (2025)
Intermediate Classical Tibetan Summer Course Teaching Assistant - Rangjung Yeshe Institute (2024)
|studiedtibetan=Yes
|spokentibcomprehension=Excellent command
|writtentibcomprehension=Near native skills
|tibetanrequiredforretreat=Not required
|tibetanretreatparts=Instructions will be given in Tibetan but there will be a translator.
The texts and teaching materials are translated to English.
Group practice (twice a month) will be chanted in Tibetan.
Individual practice can be chanted in Tibetan or in English
|otherlanguage1=Portuguese
|otherlanguage1Prof=Native command
|otherlanguage2=English
|otherlanguage2Prof=Near native command
|otherlanguage3=Spanish
|otherlanguage3Prof=Near native command
|otherlanguage4=Tibetan
|otherlanguage4Prof=Excellent command
|otherlanguage5=Nepali
|otherlanguage5Prof=Basic communication skills
|introbuddhism=I've first started to study buddhism by myself through books and internet articles at around 11 years old, soon after when I was 12 I started to do regular Zazen practices at a Sōtō Zen-shu center near my house in Porto Alegre, Brasil, called 'Via Zen' under the guidence of resident Nun Shoden. Soon after that I attended short retreats at the center's rural location, 'Vila Zen' one under the guidance of Coen Roshi, the national supervisor of this specific tradition when I was 14 and later another retreat with 'Via Zen' main teacher, Monk Dengaku at 18 years old. It was only when arriving at Kathmandu though at 19 years old that I took formal refuge and started to devote myself basically full time to pratice and study, starting this process under Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's guidance.
|refugehistory=I first took refuge with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche in November 2016 when I was 19 years old.
|formalvows=Yes
|formalvowsdetails=I've taken the lay precepts from Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche in 2016, and took Bodhisatva and tantric vows during Chokling Rinpoche's Tukdrub Barchel kunsel 10 days empowerments in 2016 as well, a few months later during the Kalachakra empowerment in Bodhgaya in January H.H the Dalai Lama also gave a formal ceremony where I took both Bodhisattva and tantric vows again. I've renewed these vows on many occasions throughout the years living in Nepal.
|ngondrocomplete=Yes
|ngondro1=Not applied - Technical problem
|ngondro1begin=2018-06-10
|ngondro1end=2025-07-30
|ngondronotes=I have not completed the Ngondro yet. I only choose yes since there is a technical problem with this form, I've tried saving it by choosing 'no' but then this section does not appear as completed. Since I've also noticed that when saving sometimes the next section information gets errased, I will post my answer to it here as well: I began the Tukdrub Barchey Kunsel Ngöndro in October 2018 after having the wish to do so for over a year and receiving indications that the time was appropriate. I consulted with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, who blessed me and confirmed it would be good to proceed. I then started practicing the long version, accumulating prostrations daily without missing a single day until early 2021.
Retreats and Intensive Practice (2018-2020): In 2018, I did short retreats whenever possible during my studies and learned more about the practice by attending sessions of the month-long Ngöndro retreat at Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling in December 2018-January 2019. In summer 2019, I completed a one-month solitary retreat at Asura Cave Practice Center accumulating prostrations. I attended almost the entire one-month Ngöndro retreat in December 2019-January 2020, missing only a few sessions when Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche gave a Phowa retreat simultaneously. During these retreats, we practiced in Ka-Nying Lhakhang guided by Lama Öpak and the monastic community with hundreds of attendees from the local Nepali Sangha, receiving teachings on each Ngöndro part and practicing them together.
Completion and Pause: I finished the prostration accumulations in 2020 during the pandemic in Brazil. However, due to online studies, work commitments, and living with family, I stopped my daily Ngöndro commitment and accumulations. I never stopped my daily samaya commitments of practicing the Gyunkyi Koljang (the concise daily practice of Tukdrub Barchey Kunsel), maintaining daily morning meditation sessions, sometimes embracing the long Ngöndro version without counting accumulations.
Recent Attempts and Future Plans: In 2023, I attempted to start accumulating the 100,000 Bodhicitta but had to set it aside due to demanding M.A. commitments. I focused on studies while maintaining certain practices. As I'm finishing my M.A. thesis in August and joining teachings and retreat at the 3-year retreat site at Gomde Pyrenees with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche and Drubpön Lama Tenzin Sangpo (for which I received a scholarship), I plan to resume Ngöndro accumulations from late September onwards.
Current Practice Plan: I will follow a model proposed by my teacher Erik Pema Kunsang: doing 10,000 accumulations of each practice cycle and repeating until 5 × 100,000 is completed. I'll start with 10,000 prostrations, and after completing the first 5 × 10,000 cycle, begin with Bodhicitta since I've already completed the prostrations. I plan to do as many cycles before starting the 3-year retreat, hoping to finish the accumulations through committed daily practice sessions and short retreats during 2025 and longer retreats in 2026.
|previousretreatscomplete=Yes
|previousretreatsdetails=I have completed multiple group and individual retreats although most not exceeding two weeks. Regarding those of one month and longer in 2019 I have completed a one-month individual retreat on the Tukdrub Barchel Kunsel Ngondro at Asura Cave Practice center in Parphing in June, and completed a one-month group retreat on the same topic during December 2019 to January 2020.
|ynadvstudiesprogs=Yes
|advstudiesprogsdetails=I have completed a B.A. in Buddhist Studies and Himalayan Languages at Rangjung Yeshe Institute (RYI) from 2017 to 2022, where I also had the opportunity to complete the Translation Training Program (TTP) in 2020, focusing on learning how to interpret from Tibetan to English with training sessions led by Lopöns from Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling monastery.
I am currently concluding a two-year M.A. in Translation, Textual Interpretation and Philology at RYI, where I have chosen as my thesis subject the translation of a 12th century commentary on the "Mi ba lam khyer" ('Taking Dreams Onto the Path'), one of the six yogas from the Bon tantric system of the Mother Tantra, Ma rgyud thugs rje nyi ma.
|ynofferedservices=Yes
|offeredservicesdetails=Translation and Interpretation Work (2018-present): I have primarily served through interpretation and translation work on a voluntary basis. I began interpreting for Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's Annual Fall Seminars into Portuguese in 2018, starting with Drubpön Lama Tenzin Sangpo and Tomas Doctor. From 2019 onwards, I have interpreted for Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche during all fall seminars (except 2022 when I was in Brazil interpreting for Khamtak Rinpoche) and other teachings including summer seminars in Europe online. These have always been on a voluntary basis, although in recent years, interpreters have begun receiving donations from Shedrub Mandala.
I have interpreted for Erik Pema Kunsang on multiple occasions, being his first interpreter into Portuguese and introducing him to the now-thriving Brazilian sangha. I volunteered as a backup interpreter during the annual Ngöndro retreat (2019-2020) and provided one month of volunteer interpretation work for the 17th Karmapa Orgyen Trinley Dorje during the Arya Kshema Spring teachings in 2022.
Brazilian Sangha Organization (2019-present): I created and manage a WhatsApp group for Brazilian practitioners connected with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche (March 2019). There I started hosting monthly online group practice sessions of the Buddha Shakyamuni Sadhana of Mipham Rinpoche on the first Sunday of each month. After a break from 2022-2024, I received Rinpoche's full support and blessings to restart these practices. We also use the group to share information about teaching events within the tradition.
Translation Projects: I have translated announcements and materials for Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's Shedrub Mandala and collaborated with Paula Rozing to translate RYI's chant book from English to Portuguese.
Tara Triple Excellence Support (ongoing): I have unofficially supported Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's online meditation program through interpretation of live Q&A sessions into Portuguese, communication and marketing assistance. In 2018, I printed hundreds of program flyers at my own expense for distribution in Brazil. In 2024, I bought and brought products from Nepal to sell in Brazil for fundraising, which were handled by Paula Rozin (Portuguese program leader). The profits of this initiative will be destined for marketing campaigns of TTE in Portuguese and a possible 2026 visit by Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche to Brazil.
|othercommunitywork=Cidade Escola Ayni (2015-2016):
At 18 years old, I volunteered for over 4 months during the inception of 'Cidade Escola Ayni' in Guaporé, Brazil - a community school project based on libertarian pedagogical principles, built entirely using natural construction methods.
Volunteering in Nepal (2016):
During my first trip to Nepal at age 19, I volunteered at a children's school and orphanage in Kathmandu for several weeks. While I later became aware of the problematic aspects of some volunteer tourism (such as displacing local workers and creating dependency rather than sustainable development), I was genuinely motivated to help at the time.
Education Fundraising (2018-2019):
I helped fundraise among RYI students and Dharma friends to support a young Nepali friend's high school education when his family faced financial difficulties.
Atlantic Forest Açaí Documentary:
Upon invitation from friend Tomaz Martins, I helped produce a short documentary about the sustainable use of Açaí Jussara in Brazil's heavily deforested Atlantic Forest. I worked on fundraising, conceptual planning, and locating communities for filming. The project aimed to raise awareness about transforming the Açaí palm from an endangered tree (illegally harvested for palm hearts) into a sustainable food source, featuring stories of a former illegal cutter turned local producer and the indigenous community Guyra Nhendu. This work aligns with my belief in finding solutions that promote sustainable human presence while preserving nature in Brazil, where colonial legacies continue driving environmental destruction for agribusiness profits, turning the country into one of the world's largest food commodity exporters while actively promoting hunger among its own population.
[Documentary teaser: https://shorturl.at/ATMet]
Rio Grande do Sul Flooding Relief (2024):
While I was away in Nepal, Rio Grande do Sul was hit by unprecedented flooding caused by global warming, affecting parts of the state totaling roughly the size of England, including 10 days of flooding in areas of my city Porto Alegre. Besides making donations, I helped compile lists of affected marginalized communities - including indigenous communities, Quilombolas (communities formed by fugitive slaves during Brazil's slavery period), and MTST solidarity kitchens - sharing these with friends and Dharma communities in Brazil and abroad for targeted assistance.
|retreatduration=43
|StartFunding=2026-06-01
|EndFunding=2029-12-31
|costestimateCurrency=EUR
|costestimate=37000
|requestedamountCurrency=EUR
|requestedamount=25,900
|othermoney=Crowdfunding Initiative: My primary funding strategy involves a crowdfunding campaign in both English and Portuguese. As a symbolic exchange for donations, I will offer a Tibetan language course covering alphabet basics, recitation training, and common vocabulary. For more advanced students, I have compiled an extensive list of useful learning and translation resources. Since teaching Tibetan has been my main occupation for the past 2.5 years, I believe this will be an interesting and valuable addition to the crowdfunding campaign. I plan to promote this through social media and sangha networks.
Having recently received approval to join the retreat while completing my M.A. thesis, I have not yet launched this campaign and cannot predict the exact amount it will raise.
Personal and Family Resources: My family has indicated they could contribute 10-15% of the total retreat costs to help cover any remaining funding gaps after scholarship and crowdfunding efforts. Additionally, I have approximately $2,000 USD in emergency savings that could be accessed if necessary, though I would prefer to preserve this for post-retreat needs.
Funding Request: Given the extremely high costs relative to Brazil's socio-economic reality and our devalued currency against the Euro, and considering that I am just graduating without significant accumulated wealth, I am requesting scholarship support for 70% of the retreat costs (€25,900). Without having such a foundational guarantee, it might not be realistic to proceed with the retreat given the financial constraints. This scholarship would serve as the essential enabler that makes the retreat feasible, while I work to secure the remaining funds through crowdfunding and eventual family support. My goal is to minimize dependence on the scholarship through successful fundraising efforts, with any excess funds from crowdfunding being used to reduce the scholarship requirement, thereby allowing Tsadra Foundation resources to support additional practitioners.
I deeply appreciate your consideration of this application and the opportunity to pursue this transformative practice.
|letterofmotivation=To the Tsadra Foundation Scholarship Committee,
With gratitude for the outstanding contributions to Western contemplative practices this institution has offered, I write to share my heartfelt wish to join the upcoming 3-year retreat at Gomde Pyrenees under the guidance of my teacher, Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche.
Since a young age, I have felt the call for spiritual practice. In one sense, I was moved by my own personal suffering, and the unnecessary suffering I felt permeated the world. In another sense, I was filled with deep curiosity—I felt there must be more to the ordinary way of seeing life and perceiving reality. This led me to begin meditation practice, at first through books and videos, and later through practicing zazen in the Sōtō Zen-shū tradition. I attended my first retreat at 13 years old, which gave me a taste of practice that had everlasting effects.
After discovering Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling in 2016 at 19 years old and meeting my teachers—Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, Phakchok Rinpoche, and Chokling Rinpoche—this experience deeply touched and transformed me. I decided to devote myself full-time to the study and practice of Buddhism, joining RYI and focusing on the Tibetan language, as I felt it could be one of the best ways to contribute to Dharma, especially in Brazil, where we don't have many Tibetan translators.
It was also during this time that I came to know about the existence of three-year retreats through my friendship with previous retreatants and hearing their experiences. From then, I gave rise to the deep aspiration to be able to join one as well. Although aware of impermanence, my goals became clear: to complete my studies at RYI, master the Tibetan language, and engage in a long retreat afterwards.
Now the conditions for this aspiration to be fulfilled are coming together. As I stand to finish over 7 years of study, while still young but having acquired more maturity in my understanding of the Dharma, while my parents are still healthy enough to not need my care, and while purposefully not having immersed myself in marriage and having children, I feel this is the most beneficial and meaningful path I could engage in at this moment—for both myself and others. Following Gampopa's aspiration, I feel my mind has turned towards the Dharma, and now I want to be fully dedicated that it may truly become the path, that it may clear away confusion, dawning as wisdom. There is nothing I long more than to tame this mind and recognize its nature, expanding the qualities of compassion and love.
With all this in mind, I hope that through this retreat I may become more able to benefit others, even if in a small way, in whatever manner possible, or at least cut through as many self-centered habits that can be harmful to any being.
I deeply appreciate the opportunity that is being offered and your time in considering this application.

Victor Algeri Roithmann
|FileHaveAcceptLetterUpld=2025-07-28_Victor_Roithmann_-_Acceptance_Letter.pdf
|AcceptLetterAuthorFirst=Drubpon Lama Tenzin
|AcceptLetterAuthorLast=Sangpo
|AcceptLetterEmail=lamatenzinsangpo@gmail.com
|FileHaveRetreatBudgCostUpld=2025-07-28_Victor_Roithmann_-_Retreat_Costs.pdf
|CostLetterAuthorFirst=Mikk
|CostLetterAuthorLast=Tamme
|CostLetterEmail=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|CostLetterPhone=+3725531133.
|FileHaveDharmaCVUpld=2025-08-1_Victor_Roithmann_-_Dharma_Resume.pdf
|FileHavePhotoUpld=2025-07-31_Victor_Roithmann_-_Photo.jpg
|FileHaveDescriptFinSitUpld=2025-08-1_Victor_Roithmann_-_Financial_Situation.pdf
|recom1NameFirst=Lama Maitri
|recom1NameLast=Maite Castellano
|recom1Email=maite.duendecilla@gmail.com
|recom1Relate=Kalyāṇamitra
|recom2NameFirst=Tomaz
|recom2NameLast=Martins
|recom2Email=tomaz@macaix.com
|recom2Relate=Friend
|FFUploadedFile-UploadName-FileHaveEligibilityDocs=Outline of qualifications for entering your retreat - Victor and personal statement.pdf
|FFUploadedFile-UploadBase-FileHaveEligibilityDocs=outline-of-qualifications-for-entering-your-retreat-victor-and-personal-statement
|FFUploadedFile-NewName-FileHaveEligibilityDocs=2025-08-1_Victor_Roithmann_-_Eligibility_Requirements.pdf
|FFUploadedFile-UploadName-FileHaveCV=Victor's Curriculum (1).pdf
|FFUploadedFile-UploadBase-FileHaveCV=victors-curriculum-1
|FFUploadedFile-NewName-FileHaveCV=2025-08-1_Victor_Roithmann_-_CV_Resume.pdf
}}

20250722162536-Victor -Roithmann-Submission

2025-08-01T01:12:08Z

Victor.Roithmann: User:Victor.Roithmann

{{SavedApplication
|status=Saved
|Submissiondate=2025-07-22
|Submissionyear=2025
|firstname=Victor
|lastname=Roithmann
|birthdate=1997-03-14
|birthcountry=Brazil
|nationality=Brazil
|street=Rua Eça de Queiroz
|street2=444 ap 301
|city=Porto Alegre
|stateprov=RS
|postalcode=90670020
|country=Brazil
|email=victor.roithmann@gmail.com
|telephone=+9779702638890
|retreattype=Three-year retreat
|center=Gomde Pyrénées
|centerstreet=Mas Can Pere Correou
|centerstreet2=RD13
|centercity=La Bastide
|centerstateprov=Pyrénées-Orientales
|centerpostalcode=66110
|centercountry=France
|startdate=2026-06-01
|enddate=2029-12-31
|retreatmaster=Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche and Drupön Lama Tenzin Sangpo
|retreatadministrator=Mikk Tamme
|retreatadministratoremail=mikk@gomde.fr
|retreatliaison=Mikk Tamme
|retreatliaisonemail=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|cvedu=High School Diploma - Colégio Monteiro Lobato, Brazil (2014)
Translator Training Project (TTP) - Rangjung Yeshe Institute, Nepal (2020)
Bachelor of Arts in Buddhist Studies and Himalayan Languages - Rangjung Yeshe Institute, Nepal (2022)
Master of Arts in Translation, Textual Interpretation and Philology (TTIP) - Rangjung Yeshe Institute, Nepal (Expected August 2025)
Permaculture Design Course (PDC) - Instituto Na Luum, Brazil (2016)
200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training - Vinyasayogashala, Rishikesh, India (2018).
|cvwork=Oral Interpreter - Multiple Dharma institutions, Samye International, Samye Malaysia (2025)
Online Tibetan Language Teacher - Self-employed (2025)
Intermediate Classical Tibetan Summer Course Teaching Assistant - Rangjung Yeshe Institute (2024)
|studiedtibetan=Yes
|spokentibcomprehension=Excellent command
|writtentibcomprehension=Near native skills
|tibetanrequiredforretreat=Not required
|tibetanretreatparts=Instructions will be given in Tibetan but there will be a translator.
The texts and teaching materials are translated to English.
Group practice (twice a month) will be chanted in Tibetan.
Individual practice can be chanted in Tibetan or in English
|otherlanguage1=Portuguese
|otherlanguage1Prof=Native command
|otherlanguage2=English
|otherlanguage2Prof=Near native command
|otherlanguage3=Spanish
|otherlanguage3Prof=Near native command
|otherlanguage4=Tibetan
|otherlanguage4Prof=Excellent command
|otherlanguage5=Nepali
|otherlanguage5Prof=Basic communication skills
|introbuddhism=I've first started to study buddhism by myself through books and internet articles at around 11 years old, soon after when I was 12 I started to do regular Zazen practices at a Sōtō Zen-shu center near my house in Porto Alegre, Brasil, called 'Via Zen' under the guidence of resident Nun Shoden. Soon after that I attended short retreats at the center's rural location, 'Vila Zen' one under the guidance of Coen Roshi, the national supervisor of this specific tradition when I was 14 and later another retreat with 'Via Zen' main teacher, Monk Dengaku at 18 years old. It was only when arriving at Kathmandu though at 19 years old that I took formal refuge and started to devote myself basically full time to pratice and study, starting this process under Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's guidance.
|refugehistory=I first took refuge with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche in November 2016 when I was 19 years old.
|formalvows=Yes
|formalvowsdetails=I've taken the lay precepts from Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche in 2016, and took Bodhisatva and tantric vows during Chokling Rinpoche's Tukdrub Barchel kunsel 10 days empowerments in 2016 as well, a few months later during the Kalachakra empowerment in Bodhgaya in January H.H the Dalai Lama also gave a formal ceremony where I took both Bodhisattva and tantric vows again. I've renewed these vows on many occasions throughout the years living in Nepal.
|ngondrocomplete=Yes
|ngondro1=Not applied - Technical problem
|ngondro1begin=2018-06-10
|ngondro1end=2025-07-30
|ngondronotes=I have not completed the Ngondro yet. I only choose yes since there is a technical problem with this form, I've tried saving it by choosing 'no' but then this section does not appear as completed. Since I've also noticed that when saving sometimes the next section information gets errased, I will post my answer to it here as well: I began the Tukdrub Barchey Kunsel Ngöndro in October 2018 after having the wish to do so for over a year and receiving indications that the time was appropriate. I consulted with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, who blessed me and confirmed it would be good to proceed. I then started practicing the long version, accumulating prostrations daily without missing a single day until early 2021.
Retreats and Intensive Practice (2018-2020): In 2018, I did short retreats whenever possible during my studies and learned more about the practice by attending sessions of the month-long Ngöndro retreat at Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling in December 2018-January 2019. In summer 2019, I completed a one-month solitary retreat at Asura Cave Practice Center accumulating prostrations. I attended almost the entire one-month Ngöndro retreat in December 2019-January 2020, missing only a few sessions when Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche gave a Phowa retreat simultaneously. During these retreats, we practiced in Ka-Nying Lhakhang guided by Lama Öpak and the monastic community with hundreds of attendees from the local Nepali Sangha, receiving teachings on each Ngöndro part and practicing them together.
Completion and Pause: I finished the prostration accumulations in 2020 during the pandemic in Brazil. However, due to online studies, work commitments, and living with family, I stopped my daily Ngöndro commitment and accumulations. I never stopped my daily samaya commitments of practicing the Gyunkyi Koljang (the concise daily practice of Tukdrub Barchey Kunsel), maintaining daily morning meditation sessions, sometimes embracing the long Ngöndro version without counting accumulations.
Recent Attempts and Future Plans: In 2023, I attempted to start accumulating the 100,000 Bodhicitta but had to set it aside due to demanding M.A. commitments. I focused on studies while maintaining certain practices. As I'm finishing my M.A. thesis in August and joining teachings and retreat at the 3-year retreat site at Gomde Pyrenees with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche and Drubpön Lama Tenzin Sangpo (for which I received a scholarship), I plan to resume Ngöndro accumulations from late September onwards.
Current Practice Plan: I will follow a model proposed by my teacher Erik Pema Kunsang: doing 10,000 accumulations of each practice cycle and repeating until 5 × 100,000 is completed. I'll start with 10,000 prostrations, and after completing the first 5 × 10,000 cycle, begin with Bodhicitta since I've already completed the prostrations. I plan to do as many cycles before starting the 3-year retreat, hoping to finish the accumulations through committed daily practice sessions and short retreats during 2025 and longer retreats in 2026.
|previousretreatscomplete=Yes
|previousretreatsdetails=I have completed multiple group and individual retreats although most not exceeding two weeks. Regarding those of one month and longer in 2019 I have completed a one-month individual retreat on the Tukdrub Barchel Kunsel Ngondro at Asura Cave Practice center in Parphing in June, and completed a one-month group retreat on the same topic during December 2019 to January 2020.
|ynadvstudiesprogs=Yes
|advstudiesprogsdetails=I have completed a B.A. in Buddhist Studies and Himalayan Languages at Rangjung Yeshe Institute (RYI) from 2017 to 2022, where I also had the opportunity to complete the Translation Training Program (TTP) in 2020, focusing on learning how to interpret from Tibetan to English with training sessions led by Lopöns from Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling monastery.
I am currently concluding a two-year M.A. in Translation, Textual Interpretation and Philology at RYI, where I have chosen as my thesis subject the translation of a 12th century commentary on the "Mi ba lam khyer" ('Taking Dreams Onto the Path'), one of the six yogas from the Bon tantric system of the Mother Tantra, Ma rgyud thugs rje nyi ma.
|ynofferedservices=Yes
|offeredservicesdetails=Translation and Interpretation Work (2018-present): I have primarily served through interpretation and translation work on a voluntary basis. I began interpreting for Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's Annual Fall Seminars into Portuguese in 2018, starting with Drubpön Lama Tenzin Sangpo and Tomas Doctor. From 2019 onwards, I have interpreted for Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche during all fall seminars (except 2022 when I was in Brazil interpreting for Khamtak Rinpoche) and other teachings including summer seminars in Europe online. These have always been on a voluntary basis, although in recent years, interpreters have begun receiving donations from Shedrub Mandala.
I have interpreted for Erik Pema Kunsang on multiple occasions, being his first interpreter into Portuguese and introducing him to the now-thriving Brazilian sangha. I volunteered as a backup interpreter during the annual Ngöndro retreat (2019-2020) and provided one month of volunteer interpretation work for the 17th Karmapa Orgyen Trinley Dorje during the Arya Kshema Spring teachings in 2022.
Brazilian Sangha Organization (2019-present): I created and manage a WhatsApp group for Brazilian practitioners connected with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche (March 2019). There I started hosting monthly online group practice sessions of the Buddha Shakyamuni Sadhana of Mipham Rinpoche on the first Sunday of each month. After a break from 2022-2024, I received Rinpoche's full support and blessings to restart these practices. We also use the group to share information about teaching events within the tradition.
Translation Projects: I have translated announcements and materials for Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's Shedrub Mandala and collaborated with Paula Rozing to translate RYI's chant book from English to Portuguese.
Tara Triple Excellence Support (ongoing): I have unofficially supported Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's online meditation program through interpretation of live Q&A sessions into Portuguese, communication and marketing assistance. In 2018, I printed hundreds of program flyers at my own expense for distribution in Brazil. In 2024, I bought and brought products from Nepal to sell in Brazil for fundraising, which were handled by Paula Rozin (Portuguese program leader). The profits of this initiative will be destined for marketing campaigns of TTE in Portuguese and a possible 2026 visit by Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche to Brazil.
|othercommunitywork=Cidade Escola Ayni (2015-2016):
At 18 years old, I volunteered for over 4 months during the inception of 'Cidade Escola Ayni' in Guaporé, Brazil - a community school project based on libertarian pedagogical principles, built entirely using natural construction methods.
Volunteering in Nepal (2016):
During my first trip to Nepal at age 19, I volunteered at a children's school and orphanage in Kathmandu for several weeks. While I later became aware of the problematic aspects of some volunteer tourism (such as displacing local workers and creating dependency rather than sustainable development), I was genuinely motivated to help at the time.
Education Fundraising (2018-2019):
I helped fundraise among RYI students and Dharma friends to support a young Nepali friend's high school education when his family faced financial difficulties.
Atlantic Forest Açaí Documentary:
Upon invitation from friend Tomaz Martins, I helped produce a short documentary about the sustainable use of Açaí Jussara in Brazil's heavily deforested Atlantic Forest. I worked on fundraising, conceptual planning, and locating communities for filming. The project aimed to raise awareness about transforming the Açaí palm from an endangered tree (illegally harvested for palm hearts) into a sustainable food source, featuring stories of a former illegal cutter turned local producer and the indigenous community Guyra Nhendu. This work aligns with my belief in finding solutions that promote sustainable human presence while preserving nature in Brazil, where colonial legacies continue driving environmental destruction for agribusiness profits, turning the country into one of the world's largest food commodity exporters while actively promoting hunger among its own population.
[Documentary teaser: https://shorturl.at/ATMet]
Rio Grande do Sul Flooding Relief (2024):
While I was away in Nepal, Rio Grande do Sul was hit by unprecedented flooding caused by global warming, affecting parts of the state totaling roughly the size of England, including 10 days of flooding in areas of my city Porto Alegre. Besides making donations, I helped compile lists of affected marginalized communities - including indigenous communities, Quilombolas (communities formed by fugitive slaves during Brazil's slavery period), and MTST solidarity kitchens - sharing these with friends and Dharma communities in Brazil and abroad for targeted assistance.
|retreatduration=43
|StartFunding=2026-06-01
|EndFunding=2029-12-31
|costestimateCurrency=EUR
|costestimate=37000
|requestedamountCurrency=EUR
|requestedamount=25,900
|othermoney=Crowdfunding Initiative: My primary funding strategy involves a crowdfunding campaign in both English and Portuguese. As a symbolic exchange for donations, I will offer a Tibetan language course covering alphabet basics, recitation training, and common vocabulary. For more advanced students, I have compiled an extensive list of useful learning and translation resources. Since teaching Tibetan has been my main occupation for the past 2.5 years, I believe this will be an interesting and valuable addition to the crowdfunding campaign. I plan to promote this through social media and sangha networks.
Having recently received approval to join the retreat while completing my M.A. thesis, I have not yet launched this campaign and cannot predict the exact amount it will raise.
Personal and Family Resources: My family has indicated they could contribute 10-15% of the total retreat costs to help cover any remaining funding gaps after scholarship and crowdfunding efforts. Additionally, I have approximately $2,000 USD in emergency savings that could be accessed if necessary, though I would prefer to preserve this for post-retreat needs.
Funding Request: Given the extremely high costs relative to Brazil's socio-economic reality and our devalued currency against the Euro, and considering that I am just graduating without significant accumulated wealth, I am requesting scholarship support for 70% of the retreat costs (€25,900). Without having such a foundational guarantee, it might not be realistic to proceed with the retreat given the financial constraints. This scholarship would serve as the essential enabler that makes the retreat feasible, while I work to secure the remaining funds through crowdfunding and eventual family support. My goal is to minimize dependence on the scholarship through successful fundraising efforts, with any excess funds from crowdfunding being used to reduce the scholarship requirement, thereby allowing Tsadra Foundation resources to support additional practitioners.
I deeply appreciate your consideration of this application and the opportunity to pursue this transformative practice.

|letterofmotivation=To the Tsadra Foundation Scholarship Committee,
With gratitude for the outstanding contributions to Western contemplative practices this institution has offered, I write to share my heartfelt wish to join the upcoming 3-year retreat at Gomde Pyrenees under the guidance of my teacher, Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche.
Since a young age, I have felt the call for spiritual practice. In one sense, I was moved by my own personal suffering, and the unnecessary suffering I felt permeated the world. In another sense, I was filled with deep curiosity—I felt there must be more to the ordinary way of seeing life and perceiving reality. This led me to begin meditation practice, at first through books and videos, and later through practicing zazen in the Sōtō Zen-shū tradition. I attended my first retreat at 13 years old, which gave me a taste of practice that had everlasting effects.
After discovering Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling in 2016 at 19 years old and meeting my teachers—Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, Phakchok Rinpoche, and Chokling Rinpoche—this experience deeply touched and transformed me. I decided to devote myself full-time to the study and practice of Buddhism, joining RYI and focusing on the Tibetan language, as I felt it could be one of the best ways to contribute to Dharma, especially in Brazil, where we don't have many Tibetan translators.
It was also during this time that I came to know about the existence of three-year retreats through my friendship with previous retreatants and hearing their experiences. From then, I gave rise to the deep aspiration to be able to join one as well. Although aware of impermanence, my goals became clear: to complete my studies at RYI, master the Tibetan language, and engage in a long retreat afterwards.
Now the conditions for this aspiration to be fulfilled are coming together. As I stand to finish over 7 years of study, while still young but having acquired more maturity in my understanding of the Dharma, while my parents are still healthy enough to not need my care, and while purposefully not having immersed myself in marriage and having children, I feel this is the most beneficial and meaningful path I could engage in at this moment—for both myself and others. Following Gampopa's aspiration, I feel my mind has turned towards the Dharma, and now I want to be fully dedicated that it may truly become the path, that it may clear away confusion, dawning as wisdom. There is nothing I long more than to tame this mind and recognize its nature, expanding the qualities of compassion and love.
With all this in mind, I hope that through this retreat I may become more able to benefit others, even if in a small way, in whatever manner possible, or at least cut through as many self-centered habits that can be harmful to any being.
I deeply appreciate the opportunity that is being offered and your time in considering this application.

Victor Algeri Roithmann
|FileHaveAcceptLetterUpld=2025-07-28_Victor_Roithmann_-_Acceptance_Letter.pdf
|AcceptLetterAuthorFirst=Drubpon Lama Tenzin
|AcceptLetterAuthorLast=Sangpo
|AcceptLetterEmail=lamatenzinsangpo@gmail.com
|FileHaveRetreatBudgCostUpld=2025-07-28_Victor_Roithmann_-_Retreat_Costs.pdf
|CostLetterAuthorFirst=Mikk
|CostLetterAuthorLast=Tamme
|CostLetterEmail=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|CostLetterPhone=+3725531133.
|FileHavePhotoUpld=2025-07-31_Victor_Roithmann_-_Photo.jpg
|recom1NameFirst=Lama Maitri
|recom1NameLast=Maite Castellano
|recom1Email=maite.duendecilla@gmail.com
|recom1Relate=Kalyāṇamitra
|recom2NameFirst=Tomaz
|recom2NameLast=Martins
|recom2Email=tomaz@macaix.com
|recom2Relate=Friend
|FFUploadedFile-UploadName-FileHaveDharmaCV=Dharma Resume - Victor Roithmann.pdf
|FFUploadedFile-UploadBase-FileHaveDharmaCV=dharma-resume-victor-roithmann
|FFUploadedFile-NewName-FileHaveDharmaCV=2025-08-1_Victor_Roithmann_-_Dharma_Resume.pdf
|FFUploadedFile-UploadName-FileHaveDescriptFinSit=Financial Statement.pdf
|FFUploadedFile-UploadBase-FileHaveDescriptFinSit=financial-statement
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}}

20250722162536-Victor -Roithmann-Submission

2025-08-01T00:33:42Z

Victor.Roithmann: User:Victor.Roithmann

{{SavedApplication
|status=Saved
|Submissiondate=2025-07-22
|Submissionyear=2025
|firstname=Victor
|lastname=Roithmann
|birthdate=1997-03-14
|birthcountry=Brazil
|nationality=Brazil
|street=Rua Eça de Queiroz
|street2=444 ap 301
|city=Porto Alegre
|stateprov=RS
|postalcode=90670020
|country=Brazil
|email=victor.roithmann@gmail.com
|telephone=+9779702638890
|retreattype=Three-year retreat
|center=Gomde Pyrénées
|centerstreet=Mas Can Pere Correou
|centerstreet2=RD13
|centercity=La Bastide
|centerstateprov=Pyrénées-Orientales
|centerpostalcode=66110
|centercountry=France
|startdate=2026-06-01
|enddate=2029-12-31
|retreatmaster=Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche and Drupön Lama Tenzin Sangpo
|retreatadministrator=Mikk Tamme
|retreatadministratoremail=mikk@gomde.fr
|retreatliaison=Mikk Tamme
|retreatliaisonemail=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|cvedu=High School Diploma - Colégio Monteiro Lobato, Brazil (2014)
Translator Training Project (TTP) - Rangjung Yeshe Institute, Nepal (2020)
Bachelor of Arts in Buddhist Studies and Himalayan Languages - Rangjung Yeshe Institute, Nepal (2022)
Master of Arts in Translation, Textual Interpretation and Philology (TTIP) - Rangjung Yeshe Institute, Nepal (Expected August 2025)
Permaculture Design Course (PDC) - Instituto Na Luum, Brazil (2016)
200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training - Vinyasayogashala, Rishikesh, India (2018).
|cvwork=Oral Interpreter - Multiple Dharma institutions, Samye International, Samye Malaysia (2025)
Online Tibetan Language Teacher - Self-employed (2025)
Intermediate Classical Tibetan Summer Course Teaching Assistant - Rangjung Yeshe Institute (2024)
|studiedtibetan=Yes
|spokentibcomprehension=Excellent command
|writtentibcomprehension=Near native skills
|tibetanrequiredforretreat=Not required
|tibetanretreatparts=Instructions will be given in Tibetan but there will be a translator.
The texts and teaching materials are translated to English.
Group practice (twice a month) will be chanted in Tibetan.
Individual practice can be chanted in Tibetan or in English
|otherlanguage1=Portuguese
|otherlanguage1Prof=Native command
|otherlanguage2=English
|otherlanguage2Prof=Near native command
|otherlanguage3=Spanish
|otherlanguage3Prof=Near native command
|otherlanguage4=Tibetan
|otherlanguage4Prof=Excellent command
|otherlanguage5=Nepali
|otherlanguage5Prof=Basic communication skills
|introbuddhism=I've first started to study buddhism by myself through books and internet articles at around 12 years old, soon after when I was 13 I started to do regular Zazen practices at a Sōtō Zen-shu center near my house in Porto Alegre, Brasil, called 'Via Zen' under the guidence of resident Nun Shoden. Soon after that I attended short retreats at the center's rural location, 'Vila Zen' one under the guidance of Coen Roshi, the national supervisor of this specific tradition when I was 14 and later another retreat with 'Via Zen' main teacher, Monk Dengaku at 18 years old. It was only when arriving at Kathmandu though at 19 years old that I took formal refuge and started to devote myself basically full time to pratice and study, starting this process under Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's guidance.
|refugehistory=I first took refuge with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche in November 2016 when I was 19 years old.
|formalvows=Yes
|formalvowsdetails=I've taken the lay precepts from Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche in 2016, and took Bodhisatva and tantric vows during Chokling Rinpoche's Tukdrub Barchel kunsel 10 days empowerments in 2016 as well, a few months later during the Kalachakra empowerment in Bodhgaya in January H.H the Dalai Lama also gave a formal ceremony where I took both Bodhisattva and tantric vows again. I've renewed these vows on many occasions throughout the years living in Nepal.
|ngondrocomplete=Yes
|ngondro1=Not applied - Technical problem
|ngondro1begin=2018-06-10
|ngondro1end=2025-07-30
|ngondronotes=I have not completed the Ngondro yet. I only choose yes since there is a technical problem with this form, I've tried saving it by choosing 'no' but then this section does not appear as completed. Since I've also noticed that when saving sometimes the next section information gets errased, I will post my answer to it here as well: I began the Tukdrub Barchey Kunsel Ngöndro in October 2018 after having the wish to do so for over a year and receiving indications that the time was appropriate. I consulted with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, who blessed me and confirmed it would be good to proceed. I then started practicing the long version, accumulating prostrations daily without missing a single day until early 2021.
Retreats and Intensive Practice (2018-2020): In 2018, I did short retreats whenever possible during my studies and learned more about the practice by attending sessions of the month-long Ngöndro retreat at Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling in December 2018-January 2019. In summer 2019, I completed a one-month solitary retreat at Asura Cave Practice Center accumulating prostrations. I attended almost the entire one-month Ngöndro retreat in December 2019-January 2020, missing only a few sessions when Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche gave a Phowa retreat simultaneously. During these retreats, we practiced in Ka-Nying Lhakhang guided by Lama Öpak and the monastic community with hundreds of attendees from the local Nepali Sangha, receiving teachings on each Ngöndro part and practicing them together.
Completion and Pause: I finished the prostration accumulations in 2020 during the pandemic in Brazil. However, due to online studies, work commitments, and living with family, I stopped my daily Ngöndro commitment and accumulations. I never stopped my daily samaya commitments of practicing the Gyunkyi Koljang (the concise daily practice of Tukdrub Barchey Kunsel), maintaining daily morning meditation sessions, sometimes embracing the long Ngöndro version without counting accumulations.
Recent Attempts and Future Plans: In 2023, I attempted to start accumulating the 100,000 Bodhicitta but had to set it aside due to demanding M.A. commitments. I focused on studies while maintaining certain practices. As I'm finishing my M.A. thesis in August and joining teachings and retreat at the 3-year retreat site at Gomde Pyrenees with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche and Drubpön Lama Tenzin Sangpo (for which I received a scholarship), I plan to resume Ngöndro accumulations from late September onwards.
Current Practice Plan: I will follow a model proposed by my teacher Erik Pema Kunsang: doing 10,000 accumulations of each practice cycle and repeating until 5 × 100,000 is completed. I'll start with 10,000 prostrations, and after completing the first 5 × 10,000 cycle, begin with Bodhicitta since I've already completed the prostrations. I plan to do as many cycles before starting the 3-year retreat, hoping to finish the accumulations through committed daily practice sessions and short retreats during 2025 and longer retreats in 2026.
|previousretreatscomplete=Yes
|previousretreatsdetails=I have completed multiple group and individual retreats although most not exceeding two weeks. Regarding those of one month and longer in 2019 I have completed a one-month individual retreat on the Tukdrub Barchel Kunsel Ngondro at Asura Cave Practice center in Parphing in June, and completed a one-month group retreat on the same topic during December 2019 to January 2020.
|ynadvstudiesprogs=Yes
|advstudiesprogsdetails=I have completed a B.A. in Buddhist Studies and Himalayan Languages at Rangjung Yeshe Institute (RYI) from 2017 to 2022, where I also had the opportunity to complete the Translation Training Program (TTP) in 2020, focusing on learning how to interpret from Tibetan to English with training sessions led by Lopöns from Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling monastery.
I am currently concluding a two-year M.A. in Translation, Textual Interpretation and Philology at RYI, where I have chosen as my thesis subject the translation of a 12th century commentary on the "Mi ba lam khyer" ('Taking Dreams Onto the Path'), one of the six yogas from the Bon tantric system of the Mother Tantra, Ma rgyud thugs rje nyi ma.
|ynofferedservices=Yes
|offeredservicesdetails=Translation and Interpretation Work (2018-present): I have primarily served through interpretation and translation work on a voluntary basis. I began interpreting for Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's Annual Fall Seminars into Portuguese in 2018, starting with Drubpön Lama Tenzin Sangpo and Tomas Doctor. From 2019 onwards, I have interpreted for Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche during all fall seminars (except 2022 when I was in Brazil interpreting for Khamtak Rinpoche) and other teachings including summer seminars in Europe online. These have always been on a voluntary basis, although in recent years, interpreters have begun receiving donations from Shedrub Mandala.
I have interpreted for Erik Pema Kunsang on multiple occasions, being his first interpreter into Portuguese and introducing him to the now-thriving Brazilian sangha. I volunteered as a backup interpreter during the annual Ngöndro retreat (2019-2020) and provided one month of volunteer interpretation work for the 17th Karmapa Orgyen Trinley Dorje during the Arya Kshema Spring teachings in 2022.
Brazilian Sangha Organization (2019-present): I created and manage a WhatsApp group for Brazilian practitioners connected with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche (March 2019). There I started hosting monthly online group practice sessions of the Buddha Shakyamuni Sadhana of Mipham Rinpoche on the first Sunday of each month. After a break from 2022-2024, I received Rinpoche's full support and blessings to restart these practices. We also use the group to share information about teaching events within the tradition.
Translation Projects: I have translated announcements and materials for Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's Shedrub Mandala and collaborated with Paula Rozing to translate RYI's chant book from English to Portuguese.
Tara Triple Excellence Support (ongoing): I have unofficially supported Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's online meditation program through interpretation of live Q&A sessions into Portuguese, communication and marketing assistance. In 2018, I printed hundreds of program flyers at my own expense for distribution in Brazil. In 2024, I bought and brought products from Nepal to sell in Brazil for fundraising, which were handled by Paula Rozin (Portuguese program leader). The profits of this initiative will be destined for marketing campaigns of TTE in Portuguese and a possible 2026 visit by Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche to Brazil.
|othercommunitywork=Cidade Escola Ayni (2015-2016):
At 18 years old, I volunteered for over 4 months during the inception of 'Cidade Escola Ayni' in Guaporé, Brazil - a community school project based on libertarian pedagogical principles, built entirely using natural construction methods.
Volunteering in Nepal (2016):
During my first trip to Nepal at age 19, I volunteered at a children's school and orphanage in Kathmandu for several weeks. While I later became aware of the problematic aspects of some volunteer tourism (such as displacing local workers and creating dependency rather than sustainable development), I was genuinely motivated to help at the time.
Education Fundraising (2018-2019):
I helped fundraise among RYI students and Dharma friends to support a young Nepali friend's high school education when his family faced financial difficulties.
Atlantic Forest Açaí Documentary:
Upon invitation from friend Tomaz Martins, I helped produce a short documentary about the sustainable use of Açaí Jussara in Brazil's heavily deforested Atlantic Forest. I worked on fundraising, conceptual planning, and locating communities for filming. The project aimed to raise awareness about transforming the Açaí palm from an endangered tree (illegally harvested for palm hearts) into a sustainable food source, featuring stories of a former illegal cutter turned local producer and the indigenous community Guyra Nhendu. This work aligns with my belief in finding solutions that promote sustainable human presence while preserving nature in Brazil, where colonial legacies continue driving environmental destruction for agribusiness profits, turning the country into one of the world's largest food commodity exporters while actively promoting hunger among its own population.
[Documentary teaser: https://shorturl.at/ATMet]
Rio Grande do Sul Flooding Relief (2024):
While I was away in Nepal, Rio Grande do Sul was hit by unprecedented flooding caused by global warming, affecting parts of the state totaling roughly the size of England, including 10 days of flooding in areas of my city Porto Alegre. Besides making donations, I helped compile lists of affected marginalized communities - including indigenous communities, Quilombolas (communities formed by fugitive slaves during Brazil's slavery period), and MTST solidarity kitchens - sharing these with friends and Dharma communities in Brazil and abroad for targeted assistance.
|retreatduration=43
|StartFunding=2026-06-01
|EndFunding=2029-12-31
|costestimateCurrency=EUR
|costestimate=37000
|requestedamountCurrency=EUR
|requestedamount=27750
|othermoney=Alternative to the scholarship, my main hope for securing funds is through a crowdfunding initiative in both English for the international community and Portuguese for Brazilian practitioners. As a symbolic exchange for donations, I will include a small Tibetan course teaching the basics of reading the Tibetan alphabet, training in recitation, and common everyday words. For more advanced students, I've compiled an extensive list with links to advanced general learning and translation resources. Since teaching Tibetan has been my main occupation for the past 2.5 years, I believe this will be an interesting and valuable addition to the crowdfunding campaign. I plan to share this on social media and directly with friends in different sanghas.
As I only recently received the letter of approval for the retreat and have been very busy finishing my M.A. thesis, I have not yet started this process and do not know how much I will be able to raise through this initiative.
Committing Personal and Family Resources:
Depending on how the fundraising and scholarship processes develop, I can request family support to complete the necessary funds. They have already indicated that while the retreat costs are very high for them, they could strive to help me, compromising 5000 euros as a last resort with around 15% of the total retreat costs.
Personally, I have approximately $2,000 USD saved as an emergency fund in a long-term investment asset, which I could access if I cannot secure sufficient funds through other means. However, I would prefer to preserve this as personal funds for when I complete the retreat.
|letterofmotivation=To the Tsadra Foundation Scholarship Committee,
With gratitude for the outstanding contributions to Western contemplative practices this institution has offered, I write to share my heartfelt wish to join the upcoming 3-year retreat at Gomde Pyrenees under the guidance of my teacher, Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche.
Since a young age, I have felt the call for spiritual practice. In one sense, I was moved by my own personal suffering, (maybe I’ll add some more details here) and the unnecessary suffering I felt permeated the world. In another sense, I was filled with deep curiosity—I felt there must be more to the ordinary way of seeing life and perceiving reality. This led me to begin meditation practice, at first through books and videos, and later through practicing zazen in the Sōtō Zen-shū tradition. I attended my first retreat at 13 years old, which gave me a taste of practice that had everlasting effects.
After discovering Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling in 2016 at 19 years old and meeting my teachers—Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, Phakchok Rinpoche, and Chokling Rinpoche—this experience deeply touched and transformed me. I decided to devote myself full-time to the study and practice of Buddhism, joining RYI and focusing on the Tibetan language, as I felt it could be one of the best ways to contribute to Dharma, especially in Brazil, where we don't have many Tibetan translators.
It was also during this time that I came to know about the existence of three-year retreats through my friendship with previous retreatants and hearing their experiences. From then, I gave rise to the deep aspiration to be able to join one as well. Although aware of impermanence, my goals became clear: to complete my studies at RYI, master the Tibetan language, and engage in a long retreat afterwards.
Now the conditions for this aspiration to be fulfilled are coming together. As I stand to finish over 7 years of study, while still young but having acquired more maturity in my understanding of the Dharma, while my parents are still healthy enough to not need my care, and while purposefully not having immersed myself in marriage and having children, I feel this is the most beneficial and meaningful path I could engage in at this moment—for both myself and others. Following Gampopa's aspiration, I feel my mind has turned towards the Dharma, and now I want to be fully dedicated that it may truly become the path, that it may clear away confusion, dawning as wisdom. There is nothing I long more than to tame this mind and recognize its nature, expanding the qualities of compassion and love.
With all this in mind, I hope that through this retreat I may become more able to benefit others, even if in a small way, in whatever manner possible, or at least cut through as many self-centered habits that can be harmful to any being.
I deeply appreciate the opportunity that is being offered and your time in considering this application.

Victor Algeri Roithmann
|FileHaveAcceptLetterUpld=2025-07-28_Victor_Roithmann_-_Acceptance_Letter.pdf
|AcceptLetterAuthorFirst=Drubpon Lama Tenzin
|AcceptLetterAuthorLast=Sangpo
|AcceptLetterEmail=lamatenzinsangpo@gmail.com
|FileHaveRetreatBudgCostUpld=2025-07-28_Victor_Roithmann_-_Retreat_Costs.pdf
|CostLetterAuthorFirst=Mikk
|CostLetterAuthorLast=Tamme
|CostLetterEmail=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|CostLetterPhone=+3725531133.
|FileHavePhotoUpld=2025-07-31_Victor_Roithmann_-_Photo.jpg
}}

20250722162536-Victor -Roithmann-Submission

2025-07-31T23:24:24Z

Victor.Roithmann: User:Victor.Roithmann

{{SavedApplication
|status=Saved
|Submissiondate=2025-07-22
|Submissionyear=2025
|firstname=Victor
|lastname=Roithmann
|birthdate=1997-03-14
|birthcountry=Brazil
|nationality=Brazil
|street=Rua Eça de Queiroz
|street2=444 ap 301
|city=Porto Alegre
|stateprov=RS
|postalcode=90670020
|country=Brazil
|email=victor.roithmann@gmail.com
|telephone=+9779702638890
|retreattype=Three-year retreat
|center=Gomde Pyrénées
|centerstreet=Mas Can Pere Correou
|centerstreet2=RD13
|centercity=La Bastide
|centerstateprov=Pyrénées-Orientales
|centerpostalcode=66110
|centercountry=France
|startdate=2026-06-01
|enddate=2029-12-31
|retreatmaster=Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche and Drupön Lama Tenzin Sangpo
|retreatadministrator=Mikk Tamme
|retreatadministratoremail=mikk@gomde.fr
|retreatliaison=Mikk Tamme
|retreatliaisonemail=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|cvedu=High School Diploma - Colégio Monteiro Lobato, Brazil (2014)
Translator Training Project (TTP) - Rangjung Yeshe Institute, Nepal (2020)
Bachelor of Arts in Buddhist Studies and Himalayan Languages - Rangjung Yeshe Institute, Nepal (2022)
Master of Arts in Translation, Textual Interpretation and Philology (TTIP) - Rangjung Yeshe Institute, Nepal (Expected August 2025)
Permaculture Design Course (PDC) - Instituto Na Luum, Brazil (2016)
200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training - Vinyasayogashala, Rishikesh, India (2018).
|cvwork=Oral Interpreter - Multiple Dharma institutions, Samye International, Samye Malaysia (2025)
Online Tibetan Language Teacher - Self-employed (2025)
Intermediate Classical Tibetan Summer Course Teaching Assistant - Rangjung Yeshe Institute (2024)
|studiedtibetan=Yes
|spokentibcomprehension=Excellent command
|writtentibcomprehension=Near native skills
|tibetanrequiredforretreat=Not required
|tibetanretreatparts=Instructions will be given in Tibetan but there will be a translator.
The texts and teaching materials are translated to English.
Group practice (twice a month) will be chanted in Tibetan.
Individual practice can be chanted in Tibetan or in English
|otherlanguage1=Portuguese
|otherlanguage1Prof=Native command
|otherlanguage2=English
|otherlanguage2Prof=Near native command
|otherlanguage3=Spanish
|otherlanguage3Prof=Near native command
|otherlanguage4=Tibetan
|otherlanguage4Prof=Excellent command
|otherlanguage5=Nepali
|otherlanguage5Prof=Basic communication skills
|introbuddhism=I've first started to study buddhism by myself through books and internet articles at around 12 years old, soon after when I was 13 I started to do regular Zazen practices at a Sōtō Zen-shu center near my house in Porto Alegre, Brasil, called 'Via Zen' under the guidence of resident Nun Shoden. Soon after that I attended short retreats at the center's rural location, 'Vila Zen' one under the guidance of Coen Roshi, the national supervisor of this specific tradition when I was 14 and later another retreat with 'Via Zen' main teacher, Monk Dengaku at 18 years old. It was only when arriving at Kathmandu though at 19 years old that I took formal refuge and started to devote myself basically full time to pratice and study, starting this process under Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's guidance.
|refugehistory=I first took refuge with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche in November 2016 when I was 19 years old.
|formalvows=Yes
|formalvowsdetails=I've taken the lay precepts from Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche in 2016, and took Bodhisatva and tantric vows during Chokling Rinpoche's Tukdrub Barchel kunsel 10 days empowerments in 2016 as well, a few months later during the Kalachakra empowerment in Bodhgaya in January H.H the Dalai Lama also gave a formal ceremony where I took both Bodhisattva and tantric vows again. I've renewed these vows on many occasions throughout the years living in Nepal.
|ngondrocomplete=Yes
|ngondro1=Not applied - Technical problem
|ngondro1begin=2018-06-10
|ngondro1end=2025-07-30
|ngondronotes=I have not completed the Ngondro yet. I only choose yes since there is a technical problem with this form, I've tried saving it by choosing 'no' but then this section does not appear as completed. Since I've also noticed that when saving sometimes the next section information gets errased, I will post my answer to it here as well: I began the Tukdrub Barchey Kunsel Ngöndro in October 2018 after having the wish to do so for over a year and receiving indications that the time was appropriate. I consulted with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, who blessed me and confirmed it would be good to proceed. I then started practicing the long version, accumulating prostrations daily without missing a single day until early 2021.
Retreats and Intensive Practice (2018-2020): In 2018, I did short retreats whenever possible during my studies and learned more about the practice by attending sessions of the month-long Ngöndro retreat at Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling in December 2018-January 2019. In summer 2019, I completed a one-month solitary retreat at Asura Cave Practice Center accumulating prostrations. I attended almost the entire one-month Ngöndro retreat in December 2019-January 2020, missing only a few sessions when Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche gave a Phowa retreat simultaneously. During these retreats, we practiced in Ka-Nying Lhakhang guided by Lama Öpak and the monastic community with hundreds of attendees from the local Nepali Sangha, receiving teachings on each Ngöndro part and practicing them together.
Completion and Pause: I finished the prostration accumulations in 2020 during the pandemic in Brazil. However, due to online studies, work commitments, and living with family, I stopped my daily Ngöndro commitment and accumulations. I never stopped my daily samaya commitments of practicing the Gyunkyi Koljang (the concise daily practice of Tukdrub Barchey Kunsel), maintaining daily morning meditation sessions, sometimes embracing the long Ngöndro version without counting accumulations.
Recent Attempts and Future Plans: In 2023, I attempted to start accumulating the 100,000 Bodhicitta but had to set it aside due to demanding M.A. commitments. I focused on studies while maintaining certain practices. As I'm finishing my M.A. thesis in August and joining teachings and retreat at the 3-year retreat site at Gomde Pyrenees with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche and Drubpön Lama Tenzin Sangpo (for which I received a scholarship), I plan to resume Ngöndro accumulations from late September onwards.
Current Practice Plan: I will follow a model proposed by my teacher Erik Pema Kunsang: doing 10,000 accumulations of each practice cycle and repeating until 5 × 100,000 is completed. I'll start with 10,000 prostrations, and after completing the first 5 × 10,000 cycle, begin with Bodhicitta since I've already completed the prostrations. I plan to do as many cycles before starting the 3-year retreat, hoping to finish the accumulations through committed daily practice sessions and short retreats during 2025 and longer retreats in 2026.
|previousretreatscomplete=Yes
|previousretreatsdetails=I have completed multiple group and individual retreats although most not exceeding two weeks. Regarding those of one month and longer in 2019 I have completed a one-month individual retreat on the Tukdrub Barchel Kunsel Ngondro at Asura Cave Practice center in Parphing in June, and completed a one-month group retreat on the same topic during December 2019 to January 2020.
|ynadvstudiesprogs=Yes
|advstudiesprogsdetails=I have completed a B.A. in Buddhist Studies and Himalayan Languages at Rangjung Yeshe Institute (RYI) from 2017 to 2022, where I also had the opportunity to complete the Translation Training Program (TTP) in 2020, focusing on learning how to interpret from Tibetan to English with training sessions led by Lopöns from Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling monastery.
I am currently concluding a two-year M.A. in Translation, Textual Interpretation and Philology at RYI, where I have chosen as my thesis subject the translation of a 12th century commentary on the "Mi ba lam khyer" ('Taking Dreams Onto the Path'), one of the six yogas from the Bon tantric system of the Mother Tantra, Ma rgyud thugs rje nyi ma.
|ynofferedservices=Yes
|offeredservicesdetails=Translation and Interpretation Work (2018-present): I have primarily served through interpretation and translation work on a voluntary basis. I began interpreting for Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's Annual Fall Seminars into Portuguese in 2018, starting with Drubpön Lama Tenzin Sangpo and Tomas Doctor. From 2019 onwards, I have interpreted for Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche during all fall seminars (except 2022 when I was in Brazil interpreting for Khamtak Rinpoche) and other teachings including summer seminars in Europe online. These have always been on a voluntary basis, although in recent years, interpreters have begun receiving donations from Shedrub Mandala.
I have interpreted for Erik Pema Kunsang on multiple occasions, being his first interpreter into Portuguese and introducing him to the now-thriving Brazilian sangha. I volunteered as a backup interpreter during the annual Ngöndro retreat (2019-2020) and provided one month of volunteer interpretation work for the 17th Karmapa Orgyen Trinley Dorje during the Arya Kshema Spring teachings in 2022.
Brazilian Sangha Organization (2019-present): I created and manage a WhatsApp group for Brazilian practitioners connected with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche (March 2019). There I started hosting monthly online group practice sessions of the Buddha Shakyamuni Sadhana of Mipham Rinpoche on the first Sunday of each month. After a break from 2022-2024, I received Rinpoche's full support and blessings to restart these practices. We also use the group to share information about teaching events within the tradition.
Translation Projects: I have translated announcements and materials for Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's Shedrub Mandala and collaborated with Paula Rozing to translate RYI's chant book from English to Portuguese.
Tara Triple Excellence Support (ongoing): I have unofficially supported Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's online meditation program through interpretation of live Q&A sessions into Portuguese, communication and marketing assistance. In 2018, I printed hundreds of program flyers at my own expense for distribution in Brazil. In 2024, I bought and brought products from Nepal to sell in Brazil for fundraising, which were handled by Paula Rozin (Portuguese program leader). The profits of this initiative will be destined for marketing campaigns of TTE in Portuguese and a possible 2026 visit by Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche to Brazil.
|othercommunitywork=Cidade Escola Ayni (2015-2016):
At 18 years old, I volunteered for over 4 months during the inception of 'Cidade Escola Ayni' in Guaporé, Brazil - a community school project based on libertarian pedagogical principles, built entirely using natural construction methods.
Volunteering in Nepal (2016):
During my first trip to Nepal at age 19, I volunteered at a children's school and orphanage in Kathmandu for several weeks. While I later became aware of the problematic aspects of some volunteer tourism (such as displacing local workers and creating dependency rather than sustainable development), I was genuinely motivated to help at the time.
Education Fundraising (2018-2019):
I helped fundraise among RYI students and Dharma friends to support a young Nepali friend's high school education when his family faced financial difficulties.
Atlantic Forest Açaí Documentary:
Upon invitation from friend Tomaz Martins, I helped produce a short documentary about the sustainable use of Açaí Jussara in Brazil's heavily deforested Atlantic Forest. I worked on fundraising, conceptual planning, and locating communities for filming. The project aimed to raise awareness about transforming the Açaí palm from an endangered tree (illegally harvested for palm hearts) into a sustainable food source, featuring stories of a former illegal cutter turned local producer and the indigenous community Guyra Nhendu. This work aligns with my belief in finding solutions that promote sustainable human presence while preserving nature in Brazil, where colonial legacies continue driving environmental destruction for agribusiness profits, turning the country into one of the world's largest food commodity exporters while actively promoting hunger among its own population.
[Documentary teaser: https://shorturl.at/ATMet]
Rio Grande do Sul Flooding Relief (2024):
While I was away in Nepal, Rio Grande do Sul was hit by unprecedented flooding caused by global warming, affecting parts of the state totaling roughly the size of England, including 10 days of flooding in areas of my city Porto Alegre. Besides making donations, I helped compile lists of affected marginalized communities - including indigenous communities, Quilombolas (communities formed by fugitive slaves during Brazil's slavery period), and MTST solidarity kitchens - sharing these with friends and Dharma communities in Brazil and abroad for targeted assistance.
|retreatduration=43
|StartFunding=2026-06-01
|EndFunding=2029-12-31
|costestimateCurrency=EUR
|costestimate=37000
|requestedamountCurrency=EUR
|requestedamount=27750
|othermoney=Alternative to the scholarship, my main hope for securing funds is through a crowdfunding initiative in both English for the international community and Portuguese for Brazilian practitioners. As a symbolic exchange for donations, I will include a small Tibetan course teaching the basics of reading the Tibetan alphabet, training in recitation, and common everyday words. For more advanced students, I've compiled an extensive list with links to advanced general learning and translation resources. Since teaching Tibetan has been my main occupation for the past 2.5 years, I believe this will be an interesting and valuable addition to the crowdfunding campaign. I plan to share this on social media and directly with friends in different sanghas.
As I only recently received the letter of approval for the retreat and have been very busy finishing my M.A. thesis, I have not yet started this process and do not know how much I will be able to raise through this initiative.
Committing Personal and Family Resources:
Depending on how the fundraising and scholarship processes develop, I can request family support to complete the necessary funds. They have already indicated that while the retreat costs are very high for them, they could strive to help me, compromising 5000 euros as a last resort with around 15% of the total retreat costs.
Personally, I have approximately $2,000 USD saved as an emergency fund in a long-term investment asset, which I could access if I cannot secure sufficient funds through other means. However, I would prefer to preserve this as personal funds for when I complete the retreat.
|letterofmotivation=To the Tsadra Foundation Scholarship Committee,
With gratitude for the outstanding contributions to Western contemplative practices this institution has offered, I write to share my heartfelt wish to join the upcoming 3-year retreat at Gomde Pyrenees under the guidance of my teacher, Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche.
Since a young age, I have felt the call for spiritual practice. In one sense, I was moved by my own personal suffering, (maybe I’ll add some more details here) and the unnecessary suffering I felt permeated the world. In another sense, I was filled with deep curiosity—I felt there must be more to the ordinary way of seeing life and perceiving reality. This led me to begin meditation practice, at first through books and videos, and later through practicing zazen in the Sōtō Zen-shū tradition. I attended my first retreat at 13 years old, which gave me a taste of practice that had everlasting effects.
After discovering Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling in 2016 at 19 years old and meeting my teachers—Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, Phakchok Rinpoche, and Chokling Rinpoche—this experience deeply touched and transformed me. I decided to devote myself full-time to the study and practice of Buddhism, joining RYI and focusing on the Tibetan language, as I felt it could be one of the best ways to contribute to Dharma, especially in Brazil, where we don't have many Tibetan translators.
It was also during this time that I came to know about the existence of three-year retreats through my friendship with previous retreatants and hearing their experiences. From then, I gave rise to the deep aspiration to be able to join one as well. Although aware of impermanence, my goals became clear: to complete my studies at RYI, master the Tibetan language, and engage in a long retreat afterwards.
Now the conditions for this aspiration to be fulfilled are coming together. As I stand to finish over 7 years of study, while still young but having acquired more maturity in my understanding of the Dharma, while my parents are still healthy enough to not need my care, and while purposefully not having immersed myself in marriage and having children, I feel this is the most beneficial and meaningful path I could engage in at this moment—for both myself and others. Following Gampopa's aspiration, I feel my mind has turned towards the Dharma, and now I want to be fully dedicated that it may truly become the path, that it may clear away confusion, dawning as wisdom. There is nothing I long more than to tame this mind and recognize its nature, expanding the qualities of compassion and love.
With all this in mind, I hope that through this retreat I may become more able to benefit others, even if in a small way, in whatever manner possible, or at least cut through as many self-centered habits that can be harmful to any being.
I deeply appreciate the opportunity that is being offered and your time in considering this application.

Victor Algeri Roithmann

|FileHaveAcceptLetterUpld=2025-07-28_Victor_Roithmann_-_Acceptance_Letter.pdf
|AcceptLetterAuthorFirst=Drubpon Lama Tenzin
|AcceptLetterAuthorLast=Sangpo
|AcceptLetterEmail=lamatenzinsangpo@gmail.com
|FileHaveRetreatBudgCostUpld=2025-07-28_Victor_Roithmann_-_Retreat_Costs.pdf
|CostLetterAuthorFirst=Mikk
|CostLetterAuthorLast=Tamme
|CostLetterEmail=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|CostLetterPhone=+3725531133.
|FileHavePhotoUpld=2025-07-31_Victor_Roithmann_-_Photo.jpg
}}

20250722162536-Victor -Roithmann-Submission

2025-07-31T23:23:09Z

Victor.Roithmann: User:Victor.Roithmann

{{SavedApplication
|status=Saved
|Submissiondate=2025-07-22
|Submissionyear=2025
|firstname=Victor
|lastname=Roithmann
|birthdate=1997-03-14
|birthcountry=Brazil
|nationality=Brazil
|street=Rua Eça de Queiroz
|street2=444 ap 301
|city=Porto Alegre
|stateprov=RS
|postalcode=90670020
|country=Brazil
|email=victor.roithmann@gmail.com
|telephone=+9779702638890
|retreattype=Three-year retreat
|center=Gomde Pyrénées
|centerstreet=Mas Can Pere Correou
|centerstreet2=RD13
|centercity=La Bastide
|centerstateprov=Pyrénées-Orientales
|centerpostalcode=66110
|centercountry=France
|startdate=2026-06-01
|enddate=2029-12-31
|retreatmaster=Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche and Drupön Lama Tenzin Sangpo
|retreatadministrator=Mikk Tamme
|retreatadministratoremail=mikk@gomde.fr
|retreatliaison=Mikk Tamme
|retreatliaisonemail=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|cvedu=High School Diploma - Colégio Monteiro Lobato, Brazil (2014)
Translator Training Project (TTP) - Rangjung Yeshe Institute, Nepal (2020)
Bachelor of Arts in Buddhist Studies and Himalayan Languages - Rangjung Yeshe Institute, Nepal (2022)
Master of Arts in Translation, Textual Interpretation and Philology (TTIP) - Rangjung Yeshe Institute, Nepal (Expected August 2025)
Permaculture Design Course (PDC) - Instituto Na Luum, Brazil (2016)
200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training - Vinyasayogashala, Rishikesh, India (2018).
|cvwork=Oral Interpreter - Multiple Dharma institutions, Samye International, Samye Malaysia (2025)
Online Tibetan Language Teacher - Self-employed (2025)
Intermediate Classical Tibetan Summer Course Teaching Assistant - Rangjung Yeshe Institute (2024)
|studiedtibetan=Yes
|spokentibcomprehension=Excellent command
|writtentibcomprehension=Near native skills
|tibetanrequiredforretreat=Not required
|tibetanretreatparts=Instructions will be given in Tibetan but there will be a translator.
The texts and teaching materials are translated to English.
Group practice (twice a month) will be chanted in Tibetan.
Individual practice can be chanted in Tibetan or in English
|otherlanguage1=Portuguese
|otherlanguage1Prof=Native command
|otherlanguage2=English
|otherlanguage2Prof=Near native command
|otherlanguage3=Spanish
|otherlanguage3Prof=Near native command
|otherlanguage4=Tibetan
|otherlanguage4Prof=Excellent command
|otherlanguage5=Nepali
|otherlanguage5Prof=Basic communication skills
|introbuddhism=I've first started to study buddhism by myself through books and internet articles at around 12 years old, soon after when I was 13 I started to do regular Zazen practices at a Sōtō Zen-shu center near my house in Porto Alegre, Brasil, called 'Via Zen' under the guidence of resident Nun Shoden. Soon after that I attended short retreats at the center's rural location, 'Vila Zen' one under the guidance of Coen Roshi, the national supervisor of this specific tradition when I was 14 and later another retreat with 'Via Zen' main teacher, Monk Dengaku at 18 years old. It was only when arriving at Kathmandu though at 19 years old that I took formal refuge and started to devote myself basically full time to pratice and study, starting this process under Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's guidance.
|refugehistory=I first took refuge with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche in November 2016 when I was 19 years old.
|formalvows=Yes
|formalvowsdetails=I've taken the lay precepts from Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche in 2016, and took Bodhisatva and tantric vows during Chokling Rinpoche's Tukdrub Barchel kunsel 10 days empowerments in 2016 as well, a few months later during the Kalachakra empowerment in Bodhgaya in January H.H the Dalai Lama also gave a formal ceremony where I took both Bodhisattva and tantric vows again. I've renewed these vows on many occasions throughout the years living in Nepal.
|ngondrocomplete=Yes
|ngondro1=Not applied - Technical problem
|ngondro1begin=2018-06-10
|ngondro1end=2025-07-30
|ngondronotes=I have not completed the Ngondro yet. I only choose yes since there is a technical problem with this form, I've tried saving it by choosing 'no' but then this section does not appear as completed. Since I've also noticed that when saving sometimes the next section information gets errased, I will post my answer to it here as well: I began the Tukdrub Barchey Kunsel Ngöndro in October 2018 after having the wish to do so for over a year and receiving indications that the time was appropriate. I consulted with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, who blessed me and confirmed it would be good to proceed. I then started practicing the long version, accumulating prostrations daily without missing a single day until early 2021.
Retreats and Intensive Practice (2018-2020): In 2018, I did short retreats whenever possible during my studies and learned more about the practice by attending sessions of the month-long Ngöndro retreat at Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling in December 2018-January 2019. In summer 2019, I completed a one-month solitary retreat at Asura Cave Practice Center accumulating prostrations. I attended almost the entire one-month Ngöndro retreat in December 2019-January 2020, missing only a few sessions when Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche gave a Phowa retreat simultaneously. During these retreats, we practiced in Ka-Nying Lhakhang guided by Lama Öpak and the monastic community with hundreds of attendees from the local Nepali Sangha, receiving teachings on each Ngöndro part and practicing them together.
Completion and Pause: I finished the prostration accumulations in 2020 during the pandemic in Brazil. However, due to online studies, work commitments, and living with family, I stopped my daily Ngöndro commitment and accumulations. I never stopped my daily samaya commitments of practicing the Gyunkyi Koljang (the concise daily practice of Tukdrub Barchey Kunsel), maintaining daily morning meditation sessions, sometimes embracing the long Ngöndro version without counting accumulations.
Recent Attempts and Future Plans: In 2023, I attempted to start accumulating the 100,000 Bodhicitta but had to set it aside due to demanding M.A. commitments. I focused on studies while maintaining certain practices. As I'm finishing my M.A. thesis in August and joining teachings and retreat at the 3-year retreat site at Gomde Pyrenees with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche and Drubpön Lama Tenzin Sangpo (for which I received a scholarship), I plan to resume Ngöndro accumulations from late September onwards.
Current Practice Plan: I will follow a model proposed by my teacher Erik Pema Kunsang: doing 10,000 accumulations of each practice cycle and repeating until 5 × 100,000 is completed. I'll start with 10,000 prostrations, and after completing the first 5 × 10,000 cycle, begin with Bodhicitta since I've already completed the prostrations. I plan to do as many cycles before starting the 3-year retreat, hoping to finish the accumulations through committed daily practice sessions and short retreats during 2025 and longer retreats in 2026.
|previousretreatscomplete=Yes
|previousretreatsdetails=I have completed multiple group and individual retreats although most not exceeding two weeks. Regarding those of one month and longer in 2019 I have completed a one-month individual retreat on the Tukdrub Barchel Kunsel Ngondro at Asura Cave Practice center in Parphing in June, and completed a one-month group retreat on the same topic during December 2019 to January 2020.
|ynadvstudiesprogs=Yes
|advstudiesprogsdetails=I have completed a B.A. in Buddhist Studies and Himalayan Languages at Rangjung Yeshe Institute (RYI) from 2017 to 2022, where I also had the opportunity to complete the Translation Training Program (TTP) in 2020, focusing on learning how to interpret from Tibetan to English with training sessions led by Lopöns from Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling monastery.
I am currently concluding a two-year M.A. in Translation, Textual Interpretation and Philology at RYI, where I have chosen as my thesis subject the translation of a 12th century commentary on the "Mi ba lam khyer" ('Taking Dreams Onto the Path'), one of the six yogas from the Bon tantric system of the Mother Tantra, Ma rgyud thugs rje nyi ma.
|ynofferedservices=Yes
|offeredservicesdetails=Translation and Interpretation Work (2018-present): I have primarily served through interpretation and translation work on a voluntary basis. I began interpreting for Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's Annual Fall Seminars into Portuguese in 2018, starting with Drubpön Lama Tenzin Sangpo and Tomas Doctor. From 2019 onwards, I have interpreted for Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche during all fall seminars (except 2022 when I was in Brazil interpreting for Khamtak Rinpoche) and other teachings including summer seminars in Europe online. These have always been on a voluntary basis, although in recent years, interpreters have begun receiving donations from Shedrub Mandala.
I have interpreted for Erik Pema Kunsang on multiple occasions, being his first interpreter into Portuguese and introducing him to the now-thriving Brazilian sangha. I volunteered as a backup interpreter during the annual Ngöndro retreat (2019-2020) and provided one month of volunteer interpretation work for the 17th Karmapa Orgyen Trinley Dorje during the Arya Kshema Spring teachings in 2022.
Brazilian Sangha Organization (2019-present): I created and manage a WhatsApp group for Brazilian practitioners connected with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche (March 2019). There I started hosting monthly online group practice sessions of the Buddha Shakyamuni Sadhana of Mipham Rinpoche on the first Sunday of each month. After a break from 2022-2024, I received Rinpoche's full support and blessings to restart these practices. We also use the group to share information about teaching events within the tradition.
Translation Projects: I have translated announcements and materials for Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's Shedrub Mandala and collaborated with Paula Rozing to translate RYI's chant book from English to Portuguese.
Tara Triple Excellence Support (ongoing): I have unofficially supported Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's online meditation program through interpretation of live Q&A sessions into Portuguese, communication and marketing assistance. In 2018, I printed hundreds of program flyers at my own expense for distribution in Brazil. In 2024, I bought and brought products from Nepal to sell in Brazil for fundraising, which were handled by Paula Rozin (Portuguese program leader). The profits of this initiative will be destined for marketing campaigns of TTE in Portuguese and a possible 2026 visit by Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche to Brazil.
|othercommunitywork=Cidade Escola Ayni (2015-2016):
At 18 years old, I volunteered for over 4 months during the inception of 'Cidade Escola Ayni' in Guaporé, Brazil - a community school project based on libertarian pedagogical principles, built entirely using natural construction methods.
Volunteering in Nepal (2016):
During my first trip to Nepal at age 19, I volunteered at a children's school and orphanage in Kathmandu for several weeks. While I later became aware of the problematic aspects of some volunteer tourism (such as displacing local workers and creating dependency rather than sustainable development), I was genuinely motivated to help at the time.
Education Fundraising (2018-2019):
I helped fundraise among RYI students and Dharma friends to support a young Nepali friend's high school education when his family faced financial difficulties.
Atlantic Forest Açaí Documentary:
Upon invitation from friend Tomaz Martins, I helped produce a short documentary about the sustainable use of Açaí Jussara in Brazil's heavily deforested Atlantic Forest. I worked on fundraising, conceptual planning, and locating communities for filming. The project aimed to raise awareness about transforming the Açaí palm from an endangered tree (illegally harvested for palm hearts) into a sustainable food source, featuring stories of a former illegal cutter turned local producer and the indigenous community Guyra Nhendu. This work aligns with my belief in finding solutions that promote sustainable human presence while preserving nature in Brazil, where colonial legacies continue driving environmental destruction for agribusiness profits, turning the country into one of the world's largest food commodity exporters while actively promoting hunger among its own population.
[Documentary teaser: https://shorturl.at/ATMet]
Rio Grande do Sul Flooding Relief (2024):
While I was away in Nepal, Rio Grande do Sul was hit by unprecedented flooding caused by global warming, affecting parts of the state totaling roughly the size of England, including 10 days of flooding in areas of my city Porto Alegre. Besides making donations, I helped compile lists of affected marginalized communities - including indigenous communities, Quilombolas (communities formed by fugitive slaves during Brazil's slavery period), and MTST solidarity kitchens - sharing these with friends and Dharma communities in Brazil and abroad for targeted assistance.
|retreatduration=43
|StartFunding=2026-06-01
|EndFunding=2029-12-31
|costestimateCurrency=EUR
|costestimate=37000
|requestedamountCurrency=EUR
|requestedamount=27750
|othermoney=Alternative to the scholarship, my main hope for securing funds is through a crowdfunding initiative in both English for the international community and Portuguese for Brazilian practitioners. As a symbolic exchange for donations, I will include a small Tibetan course teaching the basics of reading the Tibetan alphabet, training in recitation, and common everyday words. For more advanced students, I've compiled an extensive list with links to advanced general learning and translation resources. Since teaching Tibetan has been my main occupation for the past 2.5 years, I believe this will be an interesting and valuable addition to the crowdfunding campaign. I plan to share this on social media and directly with friends in different sanghas.
As I only recently received the letter of approval for the retreat and have been very busy finishing my M.A. thesis, I have not yet started this process and do not know how much I will be able to raise through this initiative.
Committing Personal and Family Resources:
Depending on how the fundraising and scholarship processes develop, I can request family support to complete the necessary funds. They have already indicated that while the retreat costs are very high for them, they could strive to help me, compromising 5000 euros as a last resort with around 15% of the total retreat costs.
Personally, I have approximately $2,000 USD saved as an emergency fund in a long-term investment asset, which I could access if I cannot secure sufficient funds through other means. However, I would prefer to preserve this as personal funds for when I complete the retreat.
|FileHaveAcceptLetterUpld=2025-07-28_Victor_Roithmann_-_Acceptance_Letter.pdf
|AcceptLetterAuthorFirst=Drubpon Lama Tenzin
|AcceptLetterAuthorLast=Sangpo
|AcceptLetterEmail=lamatenzinsangpo@gmail.com
|FileHaveRetreatBudgCostUpld=2025-07-28_Victor_Roithmann_-_Retreat_Costs.pdf
|CostLetterAuthorFirst=Mikk
|CostLetterAuthorLast=Tamme
|CostLetterEmail=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|CostLetterPhone=+3725531133.
|FFUploadedFile-UploadName-FileHavePhoto=VIctor Image - .jpg
|FFUploadedFile-UploadBase-FileHavePhoto=victor-image
|FFUploadedFile-NewName-FileHavePhoto=2025-07-31_Victor_Roithmann_-_Photo.jpg
}}

20250722162536-Victor -Roithmann-Submission

2025-07-31T19:37:07Z

Victor.Roithmann: User:Victor.Roithmann

{{SavedApplication
|status=Saved
|Submissiondate=2025-07-22
|Submissionyear=2025
|firstname=Victor
|lastname=Roithmann
|birthdate=1997-03-14
|birthcountry=Brazil
|nationality=Brazil
|street=Rua Eça de Queiroz
|street2=444 ap 301
|city=Porto Alegre
|stateprov=RS
|postalcode=90670020
|country=Brazil
|email=victor.roithmann@gmail.com
|telephone=+9779702638890
|retreattype=Three-year retreat
|center=Gomde Pyrénées
|centerstreet=Mas Can Pere Correou
|centerstreet2=RD13
|centercity=La Bastide
|centerstateprov=Pyrénées-Orientales
|centerpostalcode=66110
|centercountry=France
|startdate=2026-06-01
|enddate=2029-12-31
|retreatmaster=Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche and Drupön Lama Tenzin Sangpo
|retreatadministrator=Mikk Tamme
|retreatadministratoremail=mikk@gomde.fr
|retreatliaison=Mikk Tamme
|retreatliaisonemail=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|cvedu=High School Diploma - Colégio Monteiro Lobato, Brazil (2014)
Translator Training Project (TTP) - Rangjung Yeshe Institute, Nepal (2020)
Bachelor of Arts in Buddhist Studies and Himalayan Languages - Rangjung Yeshe Institute, Nepal (2022)
Master of Arts in Translation, Textual Interpretation and Philology (TTIP) - Rangjung Yeshe Institute, Nepal (Expected August 2025)
Permaculture Design Course (PDC) - Instituto Na Luum, Brazil (2016)
200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training - Vinyasayogashala, Rishikesh, India (2018).
|cvwork=Oral Interpreter - Multiple Dharma institutions, Samye International, Samye Malaysia (2025)
Online Tibetan Language Teacher - Self-employed (2025)
Intermediate Classical Tibetan Summer Course Teaching Assistant - Rangjung Yeshe Institute (2024)
|studiedtibetan=Yes
|spokentibcomprehension=Excellent command
|writtentibcomprehension=Near native skills
|tibetanrequiredforretreat=Not required
|tibetanretreatparts=Instructions will be given in Tibetan but there will be a translator.
The texts and teaching materials are translated to English.
Group practice (twice a month) will be chanted in Tibetan.
Individual practice can be chanted in Tibetan or in English
|otherlanguage1=Portuguese
|otherlanguage1Prof=Native command
|otherlanguage2=English
|otherlanguage2Prof=Near native command
|otherlanguage3=Spanish
|otherlanguage3Prof=Near native command
|otherlanguage4=Tibetan
|otherlanguage4Prof=Excellent command
|otherlanguage5=Nepali
|otherlanguage5Prof=Basic communication skills
|introbuddhism=I've first started to study buddhism by myself through books and internet articles at around 12 years old, soon after when I was 13 I started to do regular Zazen practices at a Sōtō Zen-shu center near my house in Porto Alegre, Brasil, called 'Via Zen' under the guidence of resident Nun Shoden. Soon after that I attended short retreats at the center's rural location, 'Vila Zen' one under the guidance of Coen Roshi, the national supervisor of this specific tradition when I was 14 and later another retreat with 'Via Zen' main teacher, Monk Dengaku at 18 years old. It was only when arriving at Kathmandu though at 19 years old that I took formal refuge and started to devote myself basically full time to pratice and study, starting this process under Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's guidance.
|refugehistory=I first took refuge with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche in November 2016 when I was 19 years old.
|formalvows=Yes
|formalvowsdetails=I've taken the lay precepts from Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche in 2016, and took Bodhisatva and tantric vows during Chokling Rinpoche's Tukdrub Barchel kunsel 10 days empowerments in 2016 as well, a few months later during the Kalachakra empowerment in Bodhgaya in January H.H the Dalai Lama also gave a formal ceremony where I took both Bodhisattva and tantric vows again. I've renewed these vows on many occasions throughout the years living in Nepal.
|ngondrocomplete=Yes
|ngondro1=Not applied - Technical problem
|ngondro1begin=2018-06-10
|ngondro1end=2025-07-30
|ngondronotes=I have not completed the Ngondro yet. I only choose yes since there is a technical problem with this form, I've tried saving it by choosing 'no' but then this section does not appear as completed. Since I've also noticed that when saving sometimes the next section information gets errased, I will post my answer to it here as well: I began the Tukdrub Barchey Kunsel Ngöndro in October 2018 after having the wish to do so for over a year and receiving indications that the time was appropriate. I consulted with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, who blessed me and confirmed it would be good to proceed. I then started practicing the long version, accumulating prostrations daily without missing a single day until early 2021.
Retreats and Intensive Practice (2018-2020): In 2018, I did short retreats whenever possible during my studies and learned more about the practice by attending sessions of the month-long Ngöndro retreat at Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling in December 2018-January 2019. In summer 2019, I completed a one-month solitary retreat at Asura Cave Practice Center accumulating prostrations. I attended almost the entire one-month Ngöndro retreat in December 2019-January 2020, missing only a few sessions when Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche gave a Phowa retreat simultaneously. During these retreats, we practiced in Ka-Nying Lhakhang guided by Lama Öpak and the monastic community with hundreds of attendees from the local Nepali Sangha, receiving teachings on each Ngöndro part and practicing them together.
Completion and Pause: I finished the prostration accumulations in 2020 during the pandemic in Brazil. However, due to online studies, work commitments, and living with family, I stopped my daily Ngöndro commitment and accumulations. I never stopped my daily samaya commitments of practicing the Gyunkyi Koljang (the concise daily practice of Tukdrub Barchey Kunsel), maintaining daily morning meditation sessions, sometimes embracing the long Ngöndro version without counting accumulations.
Recent Attempts and Future Plans: In 2023, I attempted to start accumulating the 100,000 Bodhicitta but had to set it aside due to demanding M.A. commitments. I focused on studies while maintaining certain practices. As I'm finishing my M.A. thesis in August and joining teachings and retreat at the 3-year retreat site at Gomde Pyrenees with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche and Drubpön Lama Tenzin Sangpo (for which I received a scholarship), I plan to resume Ngöndro accumulations from late September onwards.
Current Practice Plan: I will follow a model proposed by my teacher Erik Pema Kunsang: doing 10,000 accumulations of each practice cycle and repeating until 5 × 100,000 is completed. I'll start with 10,000 prostrations, and after completing the first 5 × 10,000 cycle, begin with Bodhicitta since I've already completed the prostrations. I plan to do as many cycles before starting the 3-year retreat, hoping to finish the accumulations through committed daily practice sessions and short retreats during 2025 and longer retreats in 2026.
|previousretreatscomplete=Yes
|previousretreatsdetails=I have completed multiple group and individual retreats although most not exceeding two weeks. Regarding those of one month and longer in 2019 I have completed a one-month individual retreat on the Tukdrub Barchel Kunsel Ngondro at Asura Cave Practice center in Parphing in June, and completed a one-month group retreat on the same topic during December 2019 to January 2020.
|ynadvstudiesprogs=Yes
|advstudiesprogsdetails=I have completed a B.A. in Buddhist Studies and Himalayan Languages at Rangjung Yeshe Institute (RYI) from 2017 to 2022, where I also had the opportunity to complete the Translation Training Program (TTP) in 2020, focusing on learning how to interpret from Tibetan to English with training sessions led by Lopöns from Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling monastery.
I am currently concluding a two-year M.A. in Translation, Textual Interpretation and Philology at RYI, where I have chosen as my thesis subject the translation of a 12th century commentary on the "Mi ba lam khyer" ('Taking Dreams Onto the Path'), one of the six yogas from the Bon tantric system of the Mother Tantra, Ma rgyud thugs rje nyi ma.
|ynofferedservices=Yes
|offeredservicesdetails=Translation and Interpretation Work (2018-present): I have primarily served through interpretation and translation work on a voluntary basis. I began interpreting for Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's Annual Fall Seminars into Portuguese in 2018, starting with Drubpön Lama Tenzin Sangpo and Tomas Doctor. From 2019 onwards, I have interpreted for Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche during all fall seminars (except 2022 when I was in Brazil interpreting for Khamtak Rinpoche) and other teachings including summer seminars in Europe online. These have always been on a voluntary basis, although in recent years, interpreters have begun receiving donations from Shedrub Mandala.
I have interpreted for Erik Pema Kunsang on multiple occasions, being his first interpreter into Portuguese and introducing him to the now-thriving Brazilian sangha. I volunteered as a backup interpreter during the annual Ngöndro retreat (2019-2020) and provided one month of volunteer interpretation work for the 17th Karmapa Orgyen Trinley Dorje during the Arya Kshema Spring teachings in 2022.
Brazilian Sangha Organization (2019-present): I created and manage a WhatsApp group for Brazilian practitioners connected with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche (March 2019). There I started hosting monthly online group practice sessions of the Buddha Shakyamuni Sadhana of Mipham Rinpoche on the first Sunday of each month. After a break from 2022-2024, I received Rinpoche's full support and blessings to restart these practices. We also use the group to share information about teaching events within the tradition.
Translation Projects: I have translated announcements and materials for Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's Shedrub Mandala and collaborated with Paula Rozing to translate RYI's chant book from English to Portuguese.
Tara Triple Excellence Support (ongoing): I have unofficially supported Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's online meditation program through interpretation of live Q&A sessions into Portuguese, communication and marketing assistance. In 2018, I printed hundreds of program flyers at my own expense for distribution in Brazil. In 2024, I bought and brought products from Nepal to sell in Brazil for fundraising, which were handled by Paula Rozin (Portuguese program leader). The profits of this initiative will be destined for marketing campaigns of TTE in Portuguese and a possible 2026 visit by Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche to Brazil.
|othercommunitywork=Cidade Escola Ayni (2015-2016):
At 18 years old, I volunteered for over 4 months during the inception of 'Cidade Escola Ayni' in Guaporé, Brazil - a community school project based on libertarian pedagogical principles, built entirely using natural construction methods.
Volunteering in Nepal (2016):
During my first trip to Nepal at age 19, I volunteered at a children's school and orphanage in Kathmandu for several weeks. While I later became aware of the problematic aspects of some volunteer tourism (such as displacing local workers and creating dependency rather than sustainable development), I was genuinely motivated to help at the time.
Education Fundraising (2018-2019):
I helped fundraise among RYI students and Dharma friends to support a young Nepali friend's high school education when his family faced financial difficulties.
Atlantic Forest Açaí Documentary:
Upon invitation from friend Tomaz Martins, I helped produce a short documentary about the sustainable use of Açaí Jussara in Brazil's heavily deforested Atlantic Forest. I worked on fundraising, conceptual planning, and locating communities for filming. The project aimed to raise awareness about transforming the Açaí palm from an endangered tree (illegally harvested for palm hearts) into a sustainable food source, featuring stories of a former illegal cutter turned local producer and the indigenous community Guyra Nhendu. This work aligns with my belief in finding solutions that promote sustainable human presence while preserving nature in Brazil, where colonial legacies continue driving environmental destruction for agribusiness profits, turning the country into one of the world's largest food commodity exporters while actively promoting hunger among its own population.
[Documentary teaser: https://shorturl.at/ATMet]
Rio Grande do Sul Flooding Relief (2024):
While I was away in Nepal, Rio Grande do Sul was hit by unprecedented flooding caused by global warming, affecting parts of the state totaling roughly the size of England, including 10 days of flooding in areas of my city Porto Alegre. Besides making donations, I helped compile lists of affected marginalized communities - including indigenous communities, Quilombolas (communities formed by fugitive slaves during Brazil's slavery period), and MTST solidarity kitchens - sharing these with friends and Dharma communities in Brazil and abroad for targeted assistance.
|retreatduration=43
|StartFunding=2026-06-01
|EndFunding=2029-12-31
|costestimateCurrency=EUR
|costestimate=37000 - 32.500 for retreat costs - plus roughly 1500 for shrine items as per retreat requirements - plus visa costs; obligatory health insurance - 1300 to 2600 euros - plus visa processing fees, Tax stamps etc (the visa needs to be renewed on an yearly basis - around 1000 Euros - plus travel costs and personal hygiene items items - 700 euros.)
|requestedamount=24000
|othermoney=Alternative to the scholarship, my main hope for securing funds is through a crowdfunding initiative in both English for the international community and Portuguese for Brazilian practitioners. As a symbolic exchange for donations, I will include a small Tibetan course teaching the basics of reading the Tibetan alphabet, training in recitation, and common everyday words. For more advanced students, I've compiled an extensive list with links to advanced general learning and translation resources. Since teaching Tibetan has been my main occupation for the past 2.5 years, I believe this will be an interesting and valuable addition to the crowdfunding campaign. I plan to share this on social media and directly with friends in different sanghas.
As I only recently received the letter of approval for the retreat and have been very busy finishing my M.A. thesis, I have not yet started this process and do not know how much I will be able to raise through this initiative.
Committing Personal and Family Resources:
Depending on how the fundraising and scholarship processes develop, I can request family support to complete the necessary funds. They have already indicated that while the retreat costs are very high for them, they could strive to help me, compromising 5000 euros as a last resort with around 15% of the total retreat costs.
Personally, I have approximately $2,000 USD saved as an emergency fund in a long-term investment asset, which I could access if I cannot secure sufficient funds through other means. However, I would prefer to preserve this as personal funds for when I complete the retreat.
|FileHaveAcceptLetterUpld=2025-07-28_Victor_Roithmann_-_Acceptance_Letter.pdf
|AcceptLetterAuthorFirst=Lama Tenzin
|AcceptLetterAuthorLast=Sangpo
|AcceptLetterEmail=lamatenzinsangpo@gmail.com
|FileHaveRetreatBudgCostUpld=2025-07-28_Victor_Roithmann_-_Retreat_Costs.pdf
|CostLetterAuthorFirst=Mikk
|CostLetterAuthorLast=Tamme
|CostLetterEmail=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|CostLetterPhone=+3725531133.
}}

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