Live out a 2500-year old philosophy

Buddhism is a belief that is growing in popularity in the West.  In the Algarve, where people of all nationalities and creeds come together, there are several buddhist centres.

The Portuguese Vipassana Association in Tavira runs classes on meditation techniques at retreat centres.  Vipassana, which means “seeing things as they really are”, is one of the oldest forms of Indian meditation.

There are meetings, seminars and retreats in Monchique, at the Karuna Retreat Centre, at the Lagos branch of the International Buddha’s Light Association of Lisbon, and in São Brás de Alportel.

The Faro Association for the Promotion of Tibetan Culture runs classes everyday on Tai Chi, meditation and Yoga, offers consultations and treatments (for example Feng Shui, Homeopathy, Naturopathy, and reflexology), and gives courses and weekly talks.

Situated in the Serra do Caldeirão, the Algarve Tibetan Buddhist Ogyen Kunzang Chöling Centre regularly runs teaching and practice sessions, which are open to the public, particularly when invited Lamas are in residence.   Apart from daily observances, on the 10th and 25th day of each Tibetan Calendar month, there is a celebration of the Tsok offering ceremony.

The Faro Delegation of the Portuguese Buddhist Union organises seminars, conferences, retreats, festive celebrations of holy days, and trips to the East, as well as funerals and marriages according to Buddhist rites.