20250521190517-Mariel-Torres-Submission: Difference between revisions
From Tsadra Foundation Advanced Contemplative Scholarships
20250521190517-Mariel-Torres-Submission
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{{SavedApplication | {{SavedApplication | ||
|status= | |status=Checked | ||
|Submissiondate=2025-05-29 | |Submissiondate=2025-05-29 | ||
|Submissionyear=2025 | |Submissionyear=2025 | ||
|username=Mariel.Torres | |username=Mariel.Torres | ||
|page=20250521190517-Mariel-Torres-Submission | |||
|firstname=Mariel | |firstname=Mariel | ||
|lastname=Hespanhol Torres | |lastname=Hespanhol Torres | ||
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|otherlanguage3=Spanish | |otherlanguage3=Spanish | ||
|otherlanguage3Prof=Basic communication skills | |otherlanguage3Prof=Basic communication skills | ||
|introbuddhism=I started | |introbuddhism=I started my study of Mahayana Buddhism in 2014, participating in an informal group called "Grupo de Estudos Budistas Bodhisattva" with an instructor from Lama Padma Samten's sangha in Brazil. The study group focused on the Four Noble Truths, Twelve Links of Dependent Origination, Mind Training, Four Immeasurable Qualities, and Six Paramitas. In 2019, I started studying Buddhism more committedly with Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche and his senior students through Siddhartha's Intent, and one year later, through Ngondro Gar. | ||
|refugehistory=I took refuge with Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche in May 2020 (online), with Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche in November 2021 (online) and with Tromge Jigme Rinpoche in September 2022 (in person). | |refugehistory=I took refuge formally for the first time with Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche in May 7, 2020 (online), and later with Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche in November 21, 2021 (online) and with Tromge Jigme Rinpoche in September 11, 2022 (in person). | ||
|formalvows=Yes | |formalvows=Yes | ||
|formalvowsdetails=I took lay precepts (refraining from killing, stealing, and sexual misconduct, plus refraining from getting heavily intoxicated) along with refuge and bodhisattva vows with Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche in May 2020 (online), | |formalvowsdetails=I took lay precepts (refraining from killing, stealing, and sexual misconduct, plus refraining from getting heavily intoxicated) along with refuge and bodhisattva vows for the first time with Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche in May 7, 2020 (online). They were renewed many times in person, as well as tantric vows taken in empowerments, the first being with Lama Tsering Everest in May 21, 2022 at Chagdud Gonpa Odsal Ling. | ||
|ngondrocomplete=Yes | |ngondrocomplete=Yes | ||
|ngondro1=Longchen Nyingtik | |ngondro1=Longchen Nyingtik Ngöndro | ||
|ngondro1begin=2020-05-20 | |ngondro1begin=2020-05-20 | ||
|ngondro1end=2024-01-03 | |ngondro1end=2024-01-03 | ||
|ngondronotes=I've completed the Longchen Nyingtik | |ngondronotes=I've completed the Longchen Nyingtik ngöndro through Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche's program called Ngondro Gar; there, Rinpoche asks us to count hours instead of numbers. Yet, with the Vajra Guru mantra, I kept accumulating recitations beyond the time commitment until 1,200,000. | ||
Since May 2025, I've been doing the Tara ngondro from Zabtik Drolma terma through the Tara's Triple Excellence Program, under the guidance of Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche and Lama Tenzin. I'm still accumulating prostrations for refuge. | Since May 2025, I've been doing the Tara ngondro from Zabtik Drolma terma through the Tara's Triple Excellence Program, under the guidance of Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche and Lama Tenzin. I'm still accumulating prostrations for refuge. | ||
|previousretreatscomplete=Yes | |previousretreatscomplete=Yes | ||
|previousretreatsdetails=Longchen Nyingtik ngondro 1-month individual retreat in November 2023, at Chagdud Gonpa Khadro Ling; Dzogchen 1-month group retreats guided by Tromge Jigme Rinpoche in January 2024 and also in January 2025, at Chagdud Gonpa Khadro Ling; Sphere of Refined Gold 3-month group retreat guided by Lama Tenzin Sangpo from February to May 2025, at Gomde Pyrénées. | |previousretreatsdetails=Longchen Nyingtik ngondro 1-month individual retreat in November 2023, at Chagdud Gonpa Khadro Ling; Dzogchen 1-month group retreats guided by Tromge Jigme Rinpoche in January 2024 and also in January 2025, at Chagdud Gonpa Khadro Ling; Sphere of Refined Gold 3-month group retreat guided by Lama Tenzin Sangpo from February to May 2025, at Gomde Pyrénées. | ||
|ynadvstudiesprogs=Yes | |ynadvstudiesprogs=Yes | ||
|advstudiesprogsdetails=Tara’s Triple Excellence Program since November 2021, Bodhisattva Project | |advstudiesprogsdetails=Tara’s Triple Excellence Program since November 2021, Bodhisattva Project (with Do Tulku Rinpoche, from Arya Tara's Net) from 2020 to 2024, and Mipham Project (with John Pettit, Arne Schelling, and Lama Sherab Drolma from Chagdud Gonpa Khadro Ling) in 2024. | ||
|ynofferedservices=Yes | |ynofferedservices=Yes | ||
|offeredservicesdetails=I worked as a volunteer subtitle-maker for Do Tulku Rinpoche from 2021 to 2024 (for the Bodhisattva Project), and for Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche for a short while in 2023 (for one of his teachings on the website dharmasun.org). During the first week of February 2025, I worked at Chagdud Gonpa Khadro Ling as a volunteer cleaner, concierge and kitchen helper. | |offeredservicesdetails=I worked as a volunteer subtitle-maker for Do Tulku Rinpoche from 2021 to 2024 (for the Bodhisattva Project), and for Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche for a short while in 2023 (for one of his teachings on the website dharmasun.org). During the first week of February 2025, I worked at Chagdud Gonpa Khadro Ling as a volunteer cleaner, concierge and kitchen helper. | ||
From August to November 2025, I'll work as a volunteer at Gomde Pyrénées, mainly cleaning and giving support to people who will come for the seminar and for the two retreats that will follow it. | From August to November 2025, I'll work as a volunteer at Gomde Pyrénées, mainly cleaning and giving support to people who will come for the seminar and for the two retreats that will follow it. | ||
|othercommunitywork=I | |othercommunitywork=I offered community work multiple times when I was a medical student in Viçosa/MG, Brazil: advocacy for public health policies, support groups for mental health, health fairs, educational materials and events. | ||
|retreatduration=43 | |retreatduration=43 | ||
|StartFunding=2026-06-01 | |StartFunding=2026-06-01 | ||
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|requestedamountCurrency=EUR | |requestedamountCurrency=EUR | ||
|requestedamount=19,350 | |requestedamount=19,350 | ||
|othermoney=My current income is an apartment rental of approximately €200 per month. My personal savings will serve as proof of funds for the visa | |othermoney=My current income is an apartment rental of approximately €200 per month. My personal savings will serve as proof of funds for the visa and will cover the costs of the visa, health insurance and other personal expenses (shrine items, airplane tickets, trips required for visa renewals, hygiene items etc). The account yield, along with the apartment rental, will cover about 40% of the monthly costs of the retreat—that is why I'm asking for 60%. I am also applying for the Khyentse Foundation Individual Practice Grant. I do not have other sponsors. | ||
|letterofmotivation=Since 2021, I've been guided by Rinpoche and Lama Tenzin in the Tara's Triple Excellence Program, based on | |letterofmotivation=Since 2021, I've been guided by Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche and Lama Tenzin in the Tara's Triple Excellence Program, based on a terma from Chokling lineage. Their clarity, wisdom and loving way of teaching have left a deep impression on me. In 2024, I finally met Rinpoche in person at Gomde Pyrénées and regarded him as my root guru. Following his instructions, I attended the 3-month Sphere of Refined Gold retreat at Gomde Pyrénées this year, and was truly amazed by Lama Tenzin as retreat master. For me, trying to fulfill Rinpoche's aspiration that his students undertake the 3-year retreat is not a tough commitment, but a willing and joyful offering. I don't have many opportunities to meet Rinpoche, since I live in Brazil, and it is my deepest wish to be exposed to my guru's presence, instructions, and corrections—without them, I could easily come to the end of this life with mere aspirations and many regrets. Rinpoche will teach the retreatants approximately twice a year, and Lama Tenzin will guide us throughout the 43 months. So, it is a unique opportunity to deepen my practice and generate the twofold benefit with their support. When Rinpoche says that nothing would bring more benefit for oneself and others, I fully trust him and feel confident in following his wish. | ||
The main purpose of doing this is to let go of the delusion of and attachment to a self, and naturally open up to wisdom and compassion—that's the aspiration that I will carry throughout the retreat and beyond. I plan to apply the experience of the retreat to my | The main purpose of doing this is to let go of the delusion of and attachment to a self, and naturally open up to wisdom and compassion—that's the aspiration that I will carry throughout the retreat and beyond. I plan to apply the experience of the retreat to my daily situations by becoming more carefree and selfless. As a physician who has been working and studying mainly in the field of mental health, I aspire especially to be more aware of others' needs and feelings, as well as more skilfull and wiser as I provide counselling and care to my patients, family, and friends. I believe that, if that aspiration is fulfilled at least to some extent, I may be able to benefit even those with whom I don't have a close relationship, by simply establishing a silent connection with them to the blessings of the lineage. | ||
In terms of upholding the lineage, I'd like to accomplish anything | In terms of upholding the lineage, I'd like to accomplish anything Rinpoche wishes me to, anything that would support the survival of these teachings and practices for future generations. Regarding the curriculum, I'm committed to doing 3 months of Vajrasattva practice and accumulation, 1-2 months of Vajrakilaya, 14 months of Kunzang Tuktig ngöndro, 2 months of Trinley Nyingpo, 8 months of Kunzang Tuktig sadhana, 1 month of Sangwa Yeshe, 1 month of Korwa Dongtruk, and 1 year of Dzogchen practice, including the special preliminaries. | ||
I | To make this possible, I've organized my finances and simplified my life. I'm not comfortable fundraising from my close sangha, as many are experiencing their own financial constraints, but I have applied for Khyentse Foundation scholarship. Given their non-Buddhist background and reservations about a long retreat, I haven't sought financial contributions from my relatives, but I've been preparing them emotionally. | ||
|recom1NameFirst=Chagdud Khadro | For these reasons, I am requesting your support to partially cover the retreat fees. Thank you for your consideration. | ||
|FileHaveAcceptLetterUpld=2025-07-20_Mariel_Hespanhol Torres_-_Acceptance_Letter.pdf | |||
|AcceptLetterAuthorFirst=Lama Tenzin | |||
|AcceptLetterAuthorLast=Sangpo | |||
|AcceptLetterPhone=+33767782906 | |||
|FileHaveRetreatBudgCostUpld=2025-07-18_Mariel_Hespanhol Torres_-_Retreat_Costs.pdf | |||
|CostLetterAuthorFirst=Mikk | |||
|CostLetterAuthorLast=Tamme | |||
|CostLetterPhone=+3725531133 | |||
|FileHaveEligibilityDocsUpld=2025-07-18_Mariel_Hespanhol Torres_-_Eligibility_Requirements.pdf | |||
|FileHaveCVUpld=2025-07-19_Mariel_Hespanhol Torres_-_CV_Resume.pdf | |||
|FileHaveDharmaCVUpld=2025-07-18_Mariel_Hespanhol Torres_-_Dharma_Resume.pdf | |||
|FileHavePhotoUpld=2025-07-20_Mariel_Hespanhol Torres_-_Photo.jpg | |||
|FileHaveDescriptFinSitUpld=2025-07-19_Mariel_Hespanhol Torres_-_Financial_Situation.pdf | |||
|recom1NameFirst=Chagdud | |||
|recom1NameLast=Khadro | |||
|recom1Relate=Lama | |recom1Relate=Lama | ||
Latest revision as of 16:27, 21 July 2025
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