Sixty pilgrims have traveled to KTD from Spanish-speaking countries, and they have received the initiation, instruction and practice of the Great and Noble Lord Chenrezig from Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche.
This is in itself wonderful – but there is more.
With Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche’s blessing, 1900 additional people from 39 countries formed a virtual community that was able to follow these teachings online through www.facebuda.org.
How was remarkable event achieved?
It all derived from the motivation of the Dharma teachings of this great teacher, and his ability to reach the hearts of Spanish-speakers. Thereafter, due to the titanic labor of many volunteers. Amongst them, Jason who is in charge of tech and sound in KTD; Michael in charge of the Gompa, tireless in his efforts; “Lynna Tech” as we lovingly know our friend from Puerto Rico, who has become, by force of her will to assist, a tech specialist; and our invaluable Leslie, who takes doubtless steps to make things happen. Nevertheless, it wasn’t so easy for all of us to be united and start. We went through changes in wires, sound checks, headaches with the online transmission, lights, camera… and then finally, action. And the transmission began.
These ‘fantastic four’ made possible the online transmission of the Retreat, session after session, including teachings, practice, Tibetan classes and Q&A sessions. This enabled the virtual community to be part of the vent from the distance, having the ability to ask, comment, and participate actively in every session. The virtual community posted relevant questions, in doing so, they clarified doubts about practice. Leslie had many joyful interventions at the middle of a session, even if she didn’t loose a beat or interrupt her concentration in aiding the online participants answering questions such as: “Where are we?,” “I cannot find this prayer”, or the rejoicing of those that expressed, “I am so moved, I have tears in my eyes”, “Thank you”.
Lets keep in mind that initially, when the Dharmadatta Community asked His Holiness the 17th Karmapa for his blessings to be able to do this Pilgrimage-Retreat, it was only a dream. Afterwards, the devotion and confidence of Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche opened the door to KTD Monastery, making it an achievable goal. Today, this team’s effort and the yearning of all who went online to receive the Dharma have been the conditions that made all this possible. As you see, the original purpose of making Buddha’s teachings available, for the benefit of many Spanish-speakers, is an historical achievement, worthy of rejoice for the participants and the Dharma in the West.
We thank HH the 17th Karmapa that propelled this project. Also, we recognize the kindness, generosity and wisdom of Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche that allowed the use of technology. We also thank KTD resident lamas, the technical staff and volunteers that backed this effort. These efforts came together and due to it, Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche, KTD and mainly Dharma, have expanded their connection through the Spanish-speaking world.
KTD Mandala News 
I’m very happy to hear that my Hispanic brothers and sisters are having the opportunity to hear the dharma in this way. Thank you to Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche, participating teachers, and all others who have made this possible. May all benefit.