Led by Rinpoche Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, leader of a Buddhist society called the International Dzogchen Community, several hundred followers of the spiritual philosophy exhale and chant, “Om e ho shuddhe shuddhe, yam ho shuddhe shuddhe,” the beginning of the mantra of the five elements. They sit with eyes closed, balanced cross-legged on yoga mats or pillows, and their collective voice comes out like a song, electrifying everything. 

The mixed assembly of Ticos, Europeans and North Americans, some with ponytails and tattoos inked in Sanskrit and others sporting a more conservative look, has gathered for the last day of a special retreat in Dekyitling, the Costa Rican branch of the International Dzogchen Community. This is the first time that the rinpoche – the word means “precious one” and is an honorific titled bestowed on reincarnated Tibetan lamas – has visited Costa Rica to share his teachings in person. Before this, his followers in Central America were able to access his lectures and teachings only via Internet broadcast.