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Expert: - 6/7/2011


Question
QUESTION: Hi Alex,

I first want to thank you for giving your time to answer questions on Allexperts.com.

I have been studying and practicing meditation for about six months now and really want to study and practice Buddhism but do not have any Buddhist connections here or nearby to go to lecture, learn, and find a spiritual guide. Do you have any recommendations for someone in this position? Thank you :)

With metta,

Katelin

ANSWER: Hi Katelin,
I suppose it depends how far you are able to travel. Is English your first language, or Spanish?
The organisation that comes to mind is the group of centres originally founded by Chagdud Tulku. I have not myself been directly connected with them, but I know a few people who are, and I have a very good impression indeed.
You would have to sort out which ones might be accessible yourself, but if you start at http://www.chagdud.org/ you may be able to find something.
I hope that helps a bit - let me know!
All the best
Alex W

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Alex, I was unable to find any connection in Mexico through that site. I only speak english. I contacted Casa Tibet where the Dalai Lama stays in Mexico city and they have nobody they can connect me with either. Sadly I do not think anyone is here.

Answer
Hi again Katelin,
You could try these: http://www.wisdompath.org/CENTERS/index.html
They have centres in Cancun, Ensanada, Mexicali and Tijuana
With all due respect, I have to say that I don't know these people at all, and I know from experience that when you look more closely at these "lists of centres" some of them turn out to be just one person who might do a practice with a friend once every six months...
On the other hand, smaller, less well-known centres can be wonderful – you just have to find out!
Is this suggestion any help?
All the best
Alex W

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Alex Wilding

Expertise

I have practiced and studied Tibetan Buddhism in the Kagyu and Nyingma traditions since the early 1970s, and have a good knowledge of theory, history and of the struggles of trying to practice the teachings, including meditation, while leading a normal, modern life. I am also available to provide background information for journalists.

Experience

I have been a practitioner since the early 1970s; have run a small Buddhist centre in the English Midlands and was vice-president of Kagyu Benchen Ling e.V. in Germany, for whom I managed three large Buddhist summer-camps. More importantly, I maintain a habit of personal practice. I am the "owner" of the Kagyu list at Yahoo.

Education/Credentials
My first degree was an M.A. from Oxford. I later obtained a Master of Philosophy degree for a research thesis in "Initiation in Tibetan Buddhism" from Leicester University. I also have engineering and educational qualifications.

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