1 00:00:32,800 --> 00:00:40,280 A Buddha (Tathagata) is born not only to teach how to live a moral life 2 00:00:40,280 --> 00:00:44,960 but also to reveal the three marks of existence (theenapada) to the world. 3 00:00:46,160 --> 00:00:50,440 In meditation we focus our body and mind and observe. 4 00:00:50,440 --> 00:00:53,320 This is how we perceive this law of nature 5 00:00:53,320 --> 00:00:57,440 and this knowledge gives us strength and energy to let go, not to cling. 6 00:00:57,440 --> 00:00:59,920 That’s liberation. 7 00:01:00,880 --> 00:01:02,400 It isn't easy... 8 00:01:02,560 --> 00:01:05,880 We always try to hold on, me, for me, mine. 9 00:01:06,440 --> 00:01:10,520 But when we analyse and observe, we recognise this law of nature 10 00:01:12,000 --> 00:01:15,920 this knowledge gives us the strength to let go, to release. 11 00:01:16,360 --> 00:01:18,960 So shall we practice? 12 00:01:25,880 --> 00:01:29,320 Excellent... 13 00:01:30,480 --> 00:01:33,240 Excellent... 14 00:01:34,720 --> 00:01:38,120 Excellent... 15 00:01:45,320 --> 00:01:48,320 [Comments on the oracle in Italian] 16 00:02:01,720 --> 00:02:07,040 I started in the Santeria and the spiritual world 17 00:02:07,040 --> 00:02:08,320 when I was 12 years old. 18 00:02:08,560 --> 00:02:13,880 Over time people always came looking for something from me. 19 00:02:16,440 --> 00:02:20,840 [Comments on the oracle in Spanish] 20 00:02:27,000 --> 00:02:30,400 My name is Arnulfo González 21 00:02:30,800 --> 00:02:34,760 I was born in Colombia, in a neighbourhood called Belén 22 00:02:35,440 --> 00:02:38,840 in the bosom of a very humble family 23 00:02:38,960 --> 00:02:43,600 believing in spiritual forces and the power of nature. 24 00:02:44,880 --> 00:02:52,920 As a child, I was a very sensitive person and used to have revelations about people's future. 25 00:02:59,640 --> 00:03:04,960 In my work, as a cartomancer and priest of Santeria, 26 00:03:05,280 --> 00:03:11,000 I have met many interesting people, whose destinies have touched me. 27 00:03:13,840 --> 00:03:17,480 The Magician: José Luis Farinha 28 00:03:21,320 --> 00:03:26,440 It was a very difficult situation for me to accept that I had cancer. 29 00:03:26,800 --> 00:03:33,040 At one point I felt that I didn't want to live any more, that it was too much. 30 00:03:33,120 --> 00:03:38,520 But the smallest and happiest moment, the one with the most concentrated happiness, 31 00:03:38,880 --> 00:03:42,840 was one day in May 2010, may be... 32 00:03:43,280 --> 00:03:46,400 as after the second or third operation 33 00:03:47,600 --> 00:03:50,240 I went to see the results of the tests and they told me: 34 00:03:50,240 --> 00:03:55,280 “No, there is no more cancer to be seen, which means that you are cancer-free.” 35 00:03:58,120 --> 00:04:04,080 And when I left the University Hospital in Zurich, it was bitterly cold. 36 00:04:04,880 --> 00:04:08,960 I don't know how long I stood, half an hour or so, in the street, wearing a T-shirt and a jacket. 37 00:04:08,960 --> 00:04:14,760 Normally, at another time, That cold had made me sick for half a year. 38 00:04:14,960 --> 00:04:17,920 This time nothing bad happened, I knew I wanted to live. 39 00:04:17,920 --> 00:04:24,280 And I think that time I felt the biggest happiness concentrated in a short moment. 40 00:04:27,520 --> 00:04:30,880 I was born in Cali, in a Catholic family. 41 00:04:31,320 --> 00:04:35,960 In addition to Catholicism, Colombia also has many traditions 42 00:04:36,160 --> 00:04:42,600 that originate from indigenous and African ancestors and are practised in parallel. 43 00:04:50,840 --> 00:04:55,440 The ancient Santeria tradition, also called Yoruba Lucumi 44 00:04:55,880 --> 00:04:59,600 was brought by black slaves to various countries. 45 00:05:00,160 --> 00:05:05,920 Of course, each country has given these traditions a different name. 46 00:05:13,640 --> 00:05:16,360 The Priestess: Maria 47 00:06:43,920 --> 00:06:47,960 My mother was worried about me because I couldn't sleep at night. 48 00:06:48,760 --> 00:06:52,280 I was visited by spirits that tormented me 49 00:06:52,800 --> 00:06:55,440 and I had nightmares all the time. 50 00:06:56,040 --> 00:07:01,600 In these dreams I saw myself dancing in the middle of the fire to the beat of the drums. 51 00:07:03,920 --> 00:07:05,920 This led my mother and me 52 00:07:06,400 --> 00:07:12,680 on a tireless quest to discover the origin and cause of these phenomena. 53 00:07:13,960 --> 00:07:16,920 She decided to contact a spiritualist, 54 00:07:17,440 --> 00:07:22,640 who said that I was born with a gift, and I just needed to know how to control it. 55 00:07:24,600 --> 00:07:28,960 In that way I slowly was introduced to this world. 56 00:07:30,280 --> 00:07:32,960 The Hermit: Marco 57 00:07:42,000 --> 00:07:43,720 Hello? 58 00:07:44,600 --> 00:07:46,320 Hi, Mateo! 59 00:07:47,280 --> 00:07:49,280 Yes, hello, hello... 60 00:07:50,080 --> 00:07:52,080 Yes, I’m in Zurich. 61 00:07:52,800 --> 00:07:55,600 Yes, I’m waiting for the train to Lenzburg. 62 00:07:56,800 --> 00:08:02,280 Lenzburg? I don't know, it’s about 20 kilometres from Zurich. 63 00:08:03,440 --> 00:08:11,160 I’ll finally go to visit Bhante Anuruddha and then we start this adventure. 64 00:08:21,960 --> 00:08:25,080 We spoke on the phone and I am interested in... 65 00:08:25,880 --> 00:08:29,360 having an experience as a monk 66 00:08:29,880 --> 00:08:33,000 That is why I’m here today. 67 00:08:33,200 --> 00:08:41,680 I don't know if it would be possible, to come here and live such an experience 68 00:08:42,080 --> 00:08:45,360 and afterwards to decide whether this is something for me or not. 69 00:08:46,040 --> 00:08:50,760 I can give you with some books for the preparation 70 00:08:50,880 --> 00:08:58,120 about the monk's rules and the noble teachings of the Buddha. 71 00:08:58,840 --> 00:09:01,200 We can start there. 72 00:09:01,800 --> 00:09:11,400 n the other hand, I’d like to know more about your reasons for becoming a monk. 73 00:09:11,400 --> 00:09:15,760 There are different purposes for doing something, aren't there? 74 00:09:15,760 --> 00:09:16,200 Yes, of course. 75 00:09:16,200 --> 00:09:22,080 I’d like to know what’s exactly your inner motivation to become a monk. 76 00:09:24,280 --> 00:09:26,560 Good question. 77 00:09:26,960 --> 00:09:34,360 I think, maybe as a monk, I can help better to other living beings. 78 00:09:35,240 --> 00:09:44,600 That on the one hand... On the other hand I’m seeking a calm... 79 00:09:45,160 --> 00:09:47,640 an everlasting calm inside me. 80 00:09:47,640 --> 00:09:52,520 and that's something I've never had 81 00:09:52,600 --> 00:09:57,480 for a moment yes, but then it's gone. Life is like that [ups and downs] 82 00:09:58,960 --> 00:10:04,160 Yes, that’s my main motivation. 83 00:10:08,000 --> 00:10:13,920 And when this disease came, we were financially unprepared 84 00:10:13,920 --> 00:10:20,960 to live or survive for a few months without a salary from the two. 85 00:10:21,360 --> 00:10:26,760 In those terms, it was very difficult to get ahead. 86 00:10:29,320 --> 00:10:33,960 But I think the hardest thing was when I was a child 87 00:10:33,960 --> 00:10:39,920 To deal with my mother's pressure on us to be the best, always pushing 88 00:10:39,920 --> 00:10:45,360 and with her difficulty to say, at least once, that we had done something well. 89 00:10:45,720 --> 00:10:49,960 There was always pressure, it was never enough. 90 00:10:51,720 --> 00:10:55,200 I had my first visions with my father. 91 00:10:55,720 --> 00:11:02,840 He worked as a policeman in one of the most dangerous neighbohoods in Cali, called Siloé 92 00:11:04,320 --> 00:11:08,240 His violent and radical character brought him many enemies. 93 00:11:09,080 --> 00:11:12,600 We saw him leaving for work every day, 94 00:11:12,800 --> 00:11:16,800 but we didn't know if he was going to come back alive. 95 00:11:18,000 --> 00:11:22,480 At times, I could sense when he was in danger. 96 00:11:22,960 --> 00:11:27,200 When I told him, it caused continuous arguments with my mother, 97 00:11:27,200 --> 00:11:30,200 because he found it hard to accept. 98 00:11:32,000 --> 00:11:35,840 He always criticised me for following this path. 99 00:11:47,280 --> 00:11:50,000 I came to Switzerland at the age of 22. 100 00:11:50,480 --> 00:11:59,120 I opened my practice as a spiritual coach, with my forte, tarot cards and snails. 101 00:11:59,480 --> 00:12:06,840 I worked very hard to make myself known, as this practice is not known in this country. 102 00:12:13,760 --> 00:12:23,400 Many people were afraid of the kind of rituals I practiced. I was always called “Vodou-Priest”. 103 00:12:29,680 --> 00:12:38,720 My dad was in his business, in his very... turbulent life 104 00:12:38,800 --> 00:12:41,920 but my mom was with Julia, because she was ill. 105 00:12:42,200 --> 00:12:46,800 You know, when a mother has two children, one of them is fine, and the other one is not? 106 00:12:47,280 --> 00:12:48,400 You can imagine what happens. 107 00:12:48,400 --> 00:12:50,760 Because Julia was born with many health problems, wasn't she? 108 00:12:50,880 --> 00:12:57,760 Yes, I was 3 years old when she was born, and from that moment on my childhood was over. 109 00:12:59,680 --> 00:13:02,040 Did your mother spend more time with Julia, or how was it? 110 00:13:02,040 --> 00:13:03,360 All the time... 111 00:13:06,960 --> 00:13:09,800 because she was forced, wasn't she? 112 00:13:10,240 --> 00:13:16,040 She often had to bring Julia to the doctor, to arrange her transport to school and so on. 113 00:13:16,520 --> 00:13:18,680 And Julia was always sick. 114 00:13:18,680 --> 00:13:21,320 When your child is ill you don't care about anything else. 115 00:13:21,640 --> 00:13:27,200 And if the other one is well, if he's not sick, how he is, you don't look at him or her anymore. 116 00:13:27,960 --> 00:13:32,240 To be honest, my dad was not a family person. 117 00:13:33,280 --> 00:13:37,920 The family for him was something too small 118 00:13:38,240 --> 00:13:45,880 to dedicate himself to its members and waste his time. 119 00:13:51,880 --> 00:14:02,920 In 2005 I had a vision that made me to completely lose control of my senses, as I saw my mother's death. 120 00:14:03,320 --> 00:14:14,760 The doctors found nothing, which caused a big family conflictand raised doubts about my visions. 121 00:14:15,280 --> 00:14:21,200 The practices I learned are based on the power to transform our destinies, 122 00:14:22,280 --> 00:14:26,080 which led me to perform certain rituals. 123 00:14:26,520 --> 00:14:33,800 Two months after my vision my mother suddenly passed away of a massive heart attack. 124 00:14:34,880 --> 00:14:40,400 When she died I felt that a part of me went with her. 125 00:14:47,360 --> 00:14:51,440 My mother’s death made me start to look for answers in different religious beliefs 126 00:14:51,520 --> 00:14:54,320 until I met the Buddhist priest 127 00:14:54,760 --> 00:14:56,080 Bhante Anuruddha. 128 00:14:56,960 --> 00:15:07,320 May all the living beings, be free from suffering, fear and worry - [Poem in Pali] 129 00:15:07,800 --> 00:15:14,480 The cause of suffering, the liberation or Nirvana, and the path to Nirvana. 130 00:15:14,480 --> 00:15:21,520 When we suffer, we know normal suffering, the physical one: getting old, getting sick, dying. 131 00:15:21,920 --> 00:15:26,160 That’s only natural, it’s a law of nature. 132 00:15:26,560 --> 00:15:32,080 But if you think about too much, then you experience a second suffering. 133 00:15:32,360 --> 00:15:36,640 If you recognise this suffering as natural, 134 00:15:37,080 --> 00:15:40,240 then it is easier to let go, to release. 135 00:15:50,600 --> 00:15:55,960 [Meditation on food] 136 00:15:57,680 --> 00:16:04,480 May you attain long life, good health, heavenly life and Nirvana. 137 00:16:04,480 --> 00:16:09,000 Normally in Buddhism a person can get married or not? 138 00:16:09,000 --> 00:16:10,040 Can monks get married or not? 139 00:16:10,040 --> 00:16:10,720 No, they cannot 140 00:16:10,960 --> 00:16:12,640 Ah, they can't get married 141 00:16:13,280 --> 00:16:16,240 But a married man can become a monk 142 00:16:17,200 --> 00:16:19,000 A married man can become a monk 143 00:16:19,000 --> 00:16:25,240 If you want to, you can become a monk. Monks in Buddhism are celibate. 144 00:16:26,560 --> 00:16:30,920 In recent years I felt that I lost my way. 145 00:16:31,920 --> 00:16:36,240 That’s also a good sign. 146 00:16:36,640 --> 00:16:40,200 You have had that experience, that “sadhu”. 147 00:16:40,200 --> 00:16:46,520 I think you have that voice, because it's in your interest. 148 00:16:46,720 --> 00:16:48,640 It’s an internal process. 149 00:16:48,640 --> 00:16:50,720 An inner work, a process of change. 150 00:16:51,120 --> 00:16:54,400 Indeed. Like a power that activates again, right? 151 00:16:54,640 --> 00:17:01,400 There have always been two parts to my being: the spiritual Arnulfo, 152 00:17:01,680 --> 00:17:07,680 who believes very much in spirituality and has a lot of respect for that. 153 00:17:07,840 --> 00:17:11,400 I know that something exists and I can feel it. 154 00:17:11,560 --> 00:17:14,320 But there is also that other part of me 155 00:17:15,000 --> 00:17:21,960 who is human, a person that is very much alive, who loves to be with people, who loves to dance 156 00:19:15,280 --> 00:19:19,160 That's African, Yoruba. 157 00:19:21,080 --> 00:19:23,960 Very nice, I have several of them. 158 00:19:25,480 --> 00:19:28,920 I decided to travel to Sri Lanka to get to know Buddhism at first hand. 159 00:19:29,480 --> 00:19:34,280 I couldn’t believe that Buddhism is just a philosophy or a practice. 160 00:19:34,600 --> 00:19:40,960 In all the cultures I know I always found dogmas, dependencies and self-centredness, 161 00:19:41,280 --> 00:19:45,120 I've had that self-centredness too. 162 00:19:54,200 --> 00:19:56,960 Buddhism is not concerned with the existence of God. 163 00:19:57,360 --> 00:20:00,880 Its teaching is based on the four noble truths. 164 00:20:02,360 --> 00:20:07,400 The first noble truth is Dukkha: there is no life without suffering, 165 00:20:07,600 --> 00:20:13,600 which is subject to dependence, and which begins at the moment of our conception. 166 00:20:15,720 --> 00:20:22,280 The second noble truth is the origin of suffering: craving. 167 00:20:22,760 --> 00:20:29,560 The third noble truth is to end the source and cause of suffering. 168 00:20:30,200 --> 00:20:36,040 The fourth noble truth is the path to extinguish suffering, 169 00:20:37,240 --> 00:20:41,040 by avoiding excessive pursuit of satisfaction, 170 00:20:41,560 --> 00:20:51,880 by training the mind and heart with right thought and right concentration. It is called Samadhi. 171 00:21:04,560 --> 00:21:08,000 I was introduced to Buddhism as a child. 172 00:21:08,480 --> 00:21:10,920 My home was next to the temple. 173 00:21:10,920 --> 00:21:15,880 I spent four years of my childhood there. 174 00:21:16,240 --> 00:21:19,080 Then, at the age of 12 175 00:21:20,240 --> 00:21:23,720 I was ordained as a novice. 176 00:21:23,920 --> 00:21:30,640 I pursued my education at a monastery before enrolling in university in year 2000. 177 00:21:30,800 --> 00:21:39,200 I received an invitation from a Buddhist community in Geneva, so I came here. 178 00:21:45,240 --> 00:21:49,680 I’m very happy to be in this temple again 179 00:21:50,160 --> 00:21:53,280 after around 25 years. 180 00:21:55,960 --> 00:22:02,960 I can remember, as a child, the first time as I came to this temple. 181 00:22:03,960 --> 00:22:08,800 It wasn’t easy to leave my family 182 00:22:09,320 --> 00:22:13,760 and come to stay in a new place. 183 00:22:14,200 --> 00:22:19,920 It was very hard, feeling homesick and adapting to a new environment. 184 00:22:20,480 --> 00:22:23,720 As my mother came I tried to go back home with her 185 00:22:23,720 --> 00:22:29,360 but at the same time I got to know a new environment, new people 186 00:22:29,800 --> 00:22:30,760 and the monks. 187 00:22:32,200 --> 00:22:35,320 I appreciated being in the temple and becoming a monk. 188 00:22:35,320 --> 00:22:41,320 That was a good opportunity for me personally, and a big help at that time. 189 00:22:41,800 --> 00:22:45,920 I’m in this situation now because of that support. 190 00:22:45,960 --> 00:22:50,960 At that time I was motivated and explained the value of being a monk 191 00:22:51,280 --> 00:22:56,520 and I can now understand better all those teachings 192 00:22:57,760 --> 00:23:03,040 [Monk chants the qualities of the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha] 193 00:23:21,240 --> 00:23:27,200 I met my wife dancing salsa. She was studying law. 194 00:23:28,640 --> 00:23:35,960 Getting to know my belief and my practice was a bit complicated. It was a totally unknown world for her. 195 00:23:36,520 --> 00:23:40,800 Then we got married and today we have two children together 196 00:23:40,800 --> 00:23:44,680 and I have a girl from my previous relationship. 197 00:23:48,320 --> 00:23:53,360 All my children have been baptised into the Catholic faith 198 00:23:56,840 --> 00:24:01,200 and each one of them has his own Orisha 199 00:24:06,320 --> 00:24:11,520 I want them to discover for themselves their own spiritual path. 200 00:24:18,400 --> 00:24:23,680 I teach them to meditate and practice the Dharma as well as take them to mass, 201 00:24:24,200 --> 00:24:27,160 because I want them to be spiritually independent. 202 00:24:32,160 --> 00:24:39,640 Today I vow fervently that I may become enlightened 203 00:24:42,200 --> 00:24:46,960 Taking refuge in the three jewels 204 00:24:47,320 --> 00:24:54,000 Rejoicing in the virtue of all beings 205 00:24:55,120 --> 00:24:58,320 Confessing all my fault 206 00:24:59,560 --> 00:25:09,120 And rejoicing in the Buddha's enlightenment in my mind. 207 00:25:18,920 --> 00:25:23,600 [Singing a children's song] 208 00:25:26,480 --> 00:25:29,920 José Luis' cancer has returned after only a few years 209 00:25:30,240 --> 00:25:32,400 this time in the thyroid gland. 210 00:25:32,880 --> 00:25:39,000 He realizes this soon after his partner becomes pregnant. 211 00:25:42,760 --> 00:25:44,640 Do you see a fox? What do you see here? 212 00:25:44,640 --> 00:25:45,960 A cat. 213 00:25:45,960 --> 00:25:47,320 That's right! 214 00:25:47,960 --> 00:25:52,920 There is a decision to have surgery, to have an operation 215 00:25:53,840 --> 00:25:57,280 which I’ve been fighting against for two years now, not to do it 216 00:25:57,880 --> 00:26:06,560 I’ll have my thyroid removed because they found a volume that’s been growing. 217 00:26:07,360 --> 00:26:10,520 The truth is that from the very beginning I've had the idea 218 00:26:11,240 --> 00:26:15,520 that it all came about because of the lifestyle I was leading. 219 00:26:15,520 --> 00:26:19,080 For working long hours, or for exerting too much effort. 220 00:26:19,720 --> 00:26:22,320 It's possible that everything that happens in our lives 221 00:26:22,400 --> 00:26:26,240 we are the ones who create it, who introduce it into our lives. 222 00:26:26,880 --> 00:26:29,760 Although, when you have an illness, or whatever 223 00:26:29,760 --> 00:26:33,360 we are the ones who influence it to happen. 224 00:26:34,560 --> 00:26:37,320 I don't know, but the truth is.... 225 00:26:38,000 --> 00:26:43,960 I can tell you that I was not happy with the life I had before cancer. 226 00:26:44,280 --> 00:26:49,520 I was lost, I had no hope for the future, and then everything changed. 227 00:26:49,680 --> 00:26:59,160 I believe that fear is more dangerous than the disease. 228 00:27:00,400 --> 00:27:09,240 It becomes very difficult, because in the end it is about confronting oneself. 229 00:27:11,320 --> 00:27:16,680 I have leukaemia of the spinal cord, with many complications. 230 00:27:17,160 --> 00:27:20,200 In other words, I have blood cancer 231 00:27:21,960 --> 00:27:23,720 for already many years 232 00:27:24,200 --> 00:27:26,960 and I live with it, it has become my friend. 233 00:27:29,160 --> 00:27:33,600 In the morning we get up together and greet each other... 234 00:27:34,920 --> 00:27:36,640 It keeps me company. 235 00:27:37,400 --> 00:27:43,680 [Requesting the three shelters and the ten precepts for becoming a monk]. 236 00:27:45,080 --> 00:27:49,040 I seek refuge in Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. 237 00:27:49,040 --> 00:27:55,160 I assume the precept to refrain from killing living creatures. 238 00:27:57,680 --> 00:28:04,960 I just want to say thank you, especially to my family. 239 00:28:04,960 --> 00:28:09,040 these three people who have supported me 240 00:28:09,040 --> 00:28:15,840 and they really told me: Go, it's time. 241 00:28:17,400 --> 00:28:22,040 [Ceremony chants] I take refuge in the Dharma 242 00:28:22,640 --> 00:28:25,280 sharing the merits with all living beings. 243 00:28:25,280 --> 00:28:28,520 May the beings that dwell in space, on earth, Devas and Nagas, of wondrous power 244 00:28:28,680 --> 00:28:32,840 now rejoice in this merit achieved 245 00:28:32,960 --> 00:28:38,880 and protect the Sasana for a long time to come! 246 00:28:39,960 --> 00:28:44,120 It is not a separation, being a monk doesn’t mean that. 247 00:28:44,480 --> 00:28:51,960 When responsibilities or duties appear, then he will be there for you. 248 00:28:53,760 --> 00:28:55,800 Your family is now the humanity. 249 00:28:56,600 --> 00:29:03,240 I’ve seen that suffering is everywhere in our society 250 00:29:03,480 --> 00:29:07,160 and particularly in recent years 251 00:29:07,160 --> 00:29:12,600 many people in my family have had serious illnesses. 252 00:29:12,960 --> 00:29:20,360 Many friends have died, of cancer and other diseases 253 00:29:20,920 --> 00:29:26,640 and specifically last year my best friend passed away. 254 00:29:26,960 --> 00:29:33,560 As I said goodbye to him -he was in the coffin, according to the catholic system- 255 00:29:34,360 --> 00:29:41,480 and as I said goodbye, I saw myself in the coffin. 256 00:29:42,080 --> 00:29:45,640 That was a very hard moment for me 257 00:29:46,000 --> 00:29:50,560 and that's when I thought: it's time to become a monk. 258 00:29:50,760 --> 00:29:53,760 because life lasts [finger snapping] 259 00:29:54,720 --> 00:29:55,680 no more 260 00:30:19,520 --> 00:30:31,080 That was a very intensive time, as you know we had to go through a very tough situation, 261 00:30:31,080 --> 00:30:37,600 as my father was diagnosed with cancer, 262 00:30:39,200 --> 00:30:44,800 with an incurable and very advanced type of it. 263 00:30:45,320 --> 00:30:46,880 And he wanted to continue working? 264 00:30:46,880 --> 00:30:50,360 Indeed! and when he was very sick, he used to say: 265 00:30:50,360 --> 00:30:54,640 Oh I haven't travelled so much, I haven't spent so much time with the family... 266 00:30:54,880 --> 00:31:00,600 Oh I wanted to do this, this, and that... but as soon as he was feeling a little better, then: 267 00:31:00,960 --> 00:31:08,560 Let's build this church, let's start this project... He would never finish his work. 268 00:31:09,200 --> 00:31:12,200 Can you show me the gift he received? 269 00:31:12,520 --> 00:31:14,560 Sure, it's a heavy one though. 270 00:31:14,840 --> 00:31:16,880 Let's go there 271 00:31:18,120 --> 00:31:27,840 It was for his 70th birthday. These are all big constructions built by my dad. 272 00:31:28,680 --> 00:31:37,760 This is the memorial of Alexander Nevsky, he is the patron saint of St. Petersburg. 273 00:31:38,040 --> 00:31:44,360 You can also see here a metro, the Moscow metro, the Samara metro... 274 00:31:46,680 --> 00:31:52,000 [Discourse of Jewels: Chanting on the qualities of the enlightened minds]. Those who are well trained, freed from all impurities, and with minds firm in Gautama Buddha's training 275 00:31:52,000 --> 00:31:55,960 upon attaining Nirvana, they plunge into immortality freely enjoying the liberation they've gained. 276 00:31:55,960 --> 00:31:58,040 In the Sangha is this precious jewel. - By this truth may there be well-being! 277 00:31:58,120 --> 00:32:02,520 Buddhist devotees perform a ceremony with seeds and plants 278 00:32:02,840 --> 00:32:08,600 which they bury around the tree, the "Bodhi" tree, as an offering to the Buddha. 279 00:32:09,240 --> 00:32:13,920 The sacred Bodhi tree is highly respected by Buddhists, 280 00:32:14,200 --> 00:32:19,520 since it was under it that Buddha received enlightenment. 281 00:32:29,160 --> 00:32:33,360 [Arnulfo performs a Santeria ritual at Bhante Anaruddha's home in Sri Lanka] 282 00:32:33,360 --> 00:32:40,800 [He prays a prayer in Yoruba and Spanish] 283 00:32:40,800 --> 00:32:47,360 Santeria is an animist religion based on the belief in different gods. 284 00:32:47,760 --> 00:32:51,640 who have come to earth to be part of creation. 285 00:32:51,920 --> 00:33:02,040 They are possessors of supernatural forces on which we rely to achieve our goals in this world. 286 00:33:07,120 --> 00:33:10,920 We believe that the world is a wonderful place 287 00:33:11,160 --> 00:33:14,720 and that we deserve to fulfil our dreams and goals. 288 00:33:15,720 --> 00:33:24,680 Death and illness cannot be avoided, but we work to cope with them in the best possible way. 289 00:33:25,400 --> 00:33:29,600 The relationship between the orisha and the practitioner is intimate. 290 00:33:29,960 --> 00:33:35,120 The orisha will be his guardian angel, accompanying him and watching over him 291 00:33:35,400 --> 00:33:37,960 until the last day of his life. 292 00:33:42,480 --> 00:33:46,280 My Orisha protectors are Shangó and Oshun. 293 00:33:46,600 --> 00:33:55,040 Shangó is the god of thunder, music, dance, drums, war and divination. 294 00:33:58,960 --> 00:34:05,080 Oshun, my second Orisha, is the goddess of love, motherhood, family, 295 00:34:05,080 --> 00:34:11,160 the owner of fresh waters, rivers and stringed instruments. 296 00:34:18,800 --> 00:34:26,080 The book is called... I think the translation would be: "Many Lives, Many Masters" by Brian L. Weiss. 297 00:34:26,080 --> 00:34:31,520 and is about the possibility of the existence of different lives, 298 00:34:31,520 --> 00:34:34,520 that you don't live only once, that there is reincarnation. 299 00:34:34,960 --> 00:34:42,000 It’s specifically about the possibility of therapies 300 00:34:42,000 --> 00:34:45,200 through past life regression 301 00:34:45,360 --> 00:34:47,960 or to key situations from past lives. 302 00:34:48,160 --> 00:34:51,680 How are you? Long time no see? 303 00:34:52,160 --> 00:34:54,120 Well, Barbara, meet Jose Luis 304 00:34:54,240 --> 00:34:55,280 Pleased to meet you. 305 00:34:55,480 --> 00:34:58,480 He was very curious to meet you. 306 00:34:59,120 --> 00:35:07,600 Ok, the problem that has brought you here is the issue of poverty. 307 00:35:08,520 --> 00:35:10,560 It may be the issue of poverty, yes 308 00:35:10,880 --> 00:35:13,080 In other words, the fear of poverty 309 00:35:13,080 --> 00:35:15,760 Afraid of staying poor forever. 310 00:35:16,880 --> 00:35:21,360 Have you ever made any experiences with poverty? 311 00:35:22,360 --> 00:35:27,680 I was born poor, my family didn't have many resources. 312 00:35:28,240 --> 00:35:37,960 It wasn't that we were starving, not to that extent, but we were living with very few resources. 313 00:35:38,720 --> 00:35:57,280 5... 4... 3... 2... 1... 0 314 00:36:00,200 --> 00:36:05,720 You are now in a pleasant and deep state of relaxation. 315 00:36:06,640 --> 00:36:09,640 Tell me something, what is your mother like? 316 00:36:10,240 --> 00:36:11,400 Tiny. 317 00:36:11,600 --> 00:36:13,120 Is she tiny? 318 00:36:13,840 --> 00:36:14,640 Yes 319 00:36:14,960 --> 00:36:16,320 And how does she wear her hair? 320 00:36:21,720 --> 00:36:26,480 It's dirty, it's very black... 321 00:36:37,960 --> 00:36:41,600 My mother was a great support for me. She always protected me 322 00:36:41,840 --> 00:36:48,040 and tried to make sure that everything we learned was for the good of the people. 323 00:36:55,040 --> 00:36:59,360 [Singing mariachi music] 324 00:37:04,960 --> 00:37:13,080 Since I was a child I liked to sing and on every birthday of my mother I used to sing her this song. 325 00:37:14,680 --> 00:37:17,040 She would cry from emotion. 326 00:37:23,200 --> 00:37:29,600 When I arrived to Switzerland, I got so involved in my work that I neglected my mother. 327 00:37:31,080 --> 00:37:34,600 She often asked me when I was going to see her. 328 00:37:35,120 --> 00:37:39,280 The thought of having neglected her stayed in my mind 329 00:37:40,640 --> 00:37:42,040 and I can't stop reproaching myself for it. 330 00:37:44,720 --> 00:37:51,960 Today I sing for you because I know you hear me wherever you are. 331 00:38:00,480 --> 00:38:05,000 After my mother's death, I feel her presence very strongly next to me. 332 00:38:05,880 --> 00:38:08,280 I have no peace or tranquillity. 333 00:38:09,760 --> 00:38:15,560 The rituals I practice do not help me, on the contrary, they torment me. 334 00:38:20,680 --> 00:38:29,120 Over the years I developed a spiritual personality that did not match my being. 335 00:38:33,520 --> 00:38:38,920 My life transcended for a long time walking on a red thread, 336 00:38:39,200 --> 00:38:42,960 where good and evil complemented each other. 337 00:38:45,400 --> 00:38:52,200 I pay homage to the Blessed, the Worthy, to the Fully Enlightened... 338 00:38:54,720 --> 00:38:59,400 I feel that I want to take refuge in Buddhism, 339 00:39:00,280 --> 00:39:06,600 because I feel this process has given me a lot of happiness and what I’ve been looking for. 340 00:39:07,000 --> 00:39:11,680 However, my traditions have also given me a lot of things 341 00:39:11,680 --> 00:39:13,960 and I don't want to give them up. 342 00:39:15,640 --> 00:39:17,640 Is it possible? 343 00:39:19,040 --> 00:39:23,040 Yes, it is possible, step by step 344 00:39:23,720 --> 00:39:27,240 gradually understanding and developing. 345 00:39:27,560 --> 00:39:32,040 You know? It is a process, a gradual growing process. 346 00:39:32,560 --> 00:39:40,720 So now the little monks will give you the refuge and the five rules. 347 00:39:41,760 --> 00:39:47,200 [Taking refuge, chanting in pali]. 348 00:39:50,080 --> 00:39:53,920 I take refuge in the Buddha. 349 00:39:57,560 --> 00:40:01,920 I take refuge in the teaching. 350 00:40:05,600 --> 00:40:14,360 I pledge not to engage in prohibited sexual relations... 351 00:40:21,000 --> 00:40:25,320 Mrs Dina Maria Andrade, I ask you. 352 00:40:25,960 --> 00:40:31,240 Do you wish to marry Jose Luis Farinha? 353 00:40:33,520 --> 00:40:35,880 Yes. 354 00:40:36,960 --> 00:40:40,680 Mr. Jose Luis Farinha, I ask you. 355 00:40:40,880 --> 00:40:43,560 Do you wish to marry Mrs. Dina Maria Andrade? 356 00:40:43,920 --> 00:40:45,000 Yes. 357 00:40:45,400 --> 00:40:49,160 Go ahead, you can kiss each other 358 00:41:03,600 --> 00:41:10,640 Throughout José's illness I have had to show myself in a way that... 359 00:41:13,040 --> 00:41:16,040 Sorry 360 00:41:19,560 --> 00:41:25,160 Yes, it was very difficult because I was 25 years old, you know? 361 00:41:25,720 --> 00:41:32,160 at 25 years old, and you're with a person who you think is going to be the father of your children 362 00:41:32,800 --> 00:41:35,480 you have a lot of things you want to do 363 00:41:36,200 --> 00:41:39,280 a lot of plans, right? 364 00:41:39,920 --> 00:41:44,000 And suddenly, you're told that there's this illness 365 00:41:44,000 --> 00:41:52,000 and that tomorrow or in a week's time the person you're with might not be here anymore. 366 00:41:52,640 --> 00:41:56,880 Well... that's very difficult to understand, isn't it? 367 00:41:57,560 --> 00:42:01,040 I’m an optimist by nature, and I believe that what is to come 368 00:42:01,040 --> 00:42:04,040 will be better than everything that happened, that's for sure. 369 00:42:21,640 --> 00:42:25,760 We had other plans, we wanted to go travelling 370 00:42:26,160 --> 00:42:30,560 and a few months before I got pregnant. 371 00:42:34,280 --> 00:42:35,400 What can I tell you... 372 00:42:35,680 --> 00:42:42,640 I have a tattoo that I had done and represents a little bit of what our trip would have been like. 373 00:42:42,920 --> 00:42:47,080 It has remained as a tattoo, but not as a trip 374 00:42:48,480 --> 00:42:52,760 God willing, nothing complicated will come, because 375 00:42:53,200 --> 00:42:56,920 I believe that the best of us comes out when we are at our best. 376 00:42:57,160 --> 00:43:01,560 and we don't have to worry about our health or survival. 377 00:43:02,040 --> 00:43:07,720 And so, yes, I think there are plenty of opportunities ahead us and at least 50 more years to live. 378 00:43:07,960 --> 00:43:10,920 You don't know what's going to happen to you tomorrow, do you? 379 00:43:12,160 --> 00:43:21,040 I think that... I know, this is a negative thought, it's not good, but it's how I feel until now. 380 00:43:21,040 --> 00:43:25,960 So I don't know what's going to happen tomorrow with him, with me, with the family. I don't know. 381 00:43:26,960 --> 00:43:29,960 I don't even know if the worst is already over. 382 00:43:31,240 --> 00:43:33,560 That's kind of how I feel. 383 00:43:35,520 --> 00:43:39,400 I thought I had found in Santeria, what I was looking for 384 00:43:40,520 --> 00:43:44,920 because there I found an enormous amount of knowledge 385 00:43:44,920 --> 00:43:49,680 about plants for physical and spiritual healing. 386 00:43:51,080 --> 00:43:56,960 I try to teach my children about the healing power of plants. 387 00:44:00,240 --> 00:44:02,360 This is a variety of basil 388 00:44:03,000 --> 00:44:05,840 but there are seven species. 389 00:44:05,840 --> 00:44:09,640 It’s a whole family. Among the shamans we use all the seven species of basil. 390 00:44:09,960 --> 00:44:13,960 So we are going to mix them all together so that we can put them into this perfume. 391 00:44:16,120 --> 00:44:16,760 Like this? 392 00:44:16,960 --> 00:44:17,920 Let me see 393 00:44:19,800 --> 00:44:23,960 As we crush it, we wish for what we want to be fulfilled. 394 00:44:26,520 --> 00:44:29,520 We're going to put this root here in this jar, look. 395 00:44:30,120 --> 00:44:33,120 Together with this... give it... slowly. 396 00:44:36,360 --> 00:44:37,800 Exactly 397 00:44:42,320 --> 00:44:49,200 As we go about mashing and doing these things, we ask for the intention, the reason why we do all this, 398 00:44:50,200 --> 00:44:58,640 so that all its potential, all its energy, all these properties of the plant, are for our benefit. 399 00:45:01,240 --> 00:45:03,520 Ahhhh, that's nice 400 00:45:04,120 --> 00:45:05,720 Smell... 401 00:45:09,920 --> 00:45:12,360 But here you still have space. 402 00:45:15,240 --> 00:45:16,920 We are done. 403 00:45:19,760 --> 00:45:20,960 Smell... 404 00:45:23,800 --> 00:45:26,800 and now run your hands backwards over your head. 405 00:45:27,800 --> 00:45:30,800 Done? 406 00:45:53,920 --> 00:45:58,520 The monk's life is very simple. 407 00:45:59,240 --> 00:46:05,040 We’ve got this, also the tunic, two tunics, and that’s it. 408 00:46:05,360 --> 00:46:07,160 That’s enough. 409 00:46:08,920 --> 00:46:17,720 When we go out, we eat what people give us. 410 00:46:19,800 --> 00:46:22,800 and we sleep anywhere. 411 00:46:23,280 --> 00:46:25,000 Nothing more is needed. 412 00:46:27,400 --> 00:46:28,960 How nice! 413 00:46:31,640 --> 00:46:33,120 Have you had enough to eat? 414 00:46:33,480 --> 00:46:36,960 No, we have nothing to eat. 415 00:46:39,240 --> 00:46:42,240 You mean you are poor? 416 00:46:45,520 --> 00:46:49,160 Time passes and something happens. 417 00:46:49,960 --> 00:46:51,360 I think they left. 418 00:46:51,840 --> 00:46:53,840 I don't think they came back. 419 00:46:56,040 --> 00:46:58,320 They left and did not return. 420 00:46:58,640 --> 00:47:01,360 And they didn't come back. They went away and did not return. 421 00:47:01,960 --> 00:47:03,600 How old are you? 422 00:47:12,600 --> 00:47:14,680 How old are you? 423 00:47:18,720 --> 00:47:19,760 Tell me 424 00:47:27,680 --> 00:47:28,880 Five... 425 00:47:31,360 --> 00:47:33,280 About five, four... 426 00:47:33,560 --> 00:47:35,040 Four or five years. 427 00:47:38,800 --> 00:47:44,520 You see there where your heart gives its last two beats, 428 00:47:45,480 --> 00:47:51,320 and when it stops. In that instant, when it stops, tell me. 429 00:47:53,280 --> 00:47:54,920 Did I die? 430 00:47:55,960 --> 00:48:00,680 No, I am still alive. I exist, the body died. 431 00:48:01,480 --> 00:48:03,560 I'm here, I'm upstairs. 432 00:48:04,200 --> 00:48:10,040 No, the action involves both 433 00:48:10,840 --> 00:48:15,000 You can’t say "the body died and I’m upstairs" 434 00:48:16,040 --> 00:48:20,920 because you are a unity: body and spirit. 435 00:48:23,600 --> 00:48:33,600 That is so important to understand because then you leave all this trouble you have with the poverty issue, 436 00:48:34,120 --> 00:48:41,600 you leave it definitely behind you and it never influences your life again. 437 00:48:43,120 --> 00:48:47,920 1... 2... 3... open your eyes! 438 00:48:49,560 --> 00:48:52,920 Am I really here? 439 00:48:54,160 --> 00:48:55,920 God, what was that place? 440 00:48:57,080 --> 00:49:01,120 Can I walk now, please? 441 00:49:02,640 --> 00:49:04,280 Let's go to the river! 442 00:49:04,760 --> 00:49:08,960 I think that's enough philosophy and esotericism for today. 443 00:49:09,160 --> 00:49:10,640 Thank you, thank you. 444 00:49:10,640 --> 00:49:11,720 No problem 445 00:49:12,040 --> 00:49:16,360 Oh God, but now I need a break. 446 00:49:18,920 --> 00:49:23,240 Well, this is post-emotion. 447 00:49:27,840 --> 00:49:30,840 But now it will kick in 448 00:49:38,600 --> 00:49:42,080 This is the Hindu one, the Hindu goddess 449 00:49:42,080 --> 00:49:43,840 Now she is a Buddhist 450 00:49:43,840 --> 00:49:46,040 Is she a Buddhist now? 451 00:50:10,480 --> 00:50:17,040 One question: I see that there is always a smile on your face. 452 00:50:18,480 --> 00:50:21,480 You can see that happiness. 453 00:50:22,040 --> 00:50:28,320 I'd like to know when was the last time you were really angry, or when you were sad, 454 00:50:28,960 --> 00:50:34,120 the reason you were saddened and how you handled that? 455 00:50:50,320 --> 00:50:53,000 The most important question of the moment: 456 00:50:53,200 --> 00:51:02,840 How is it possible that here in front of me the person I love the most in this world is dying? 457 00:51:02,920 --> 00:51:07,080 The person is strong but nothing can be done. How is it possible? 458 00:51:08,000 --> 00:51:17,800 I was fighting for his life, for his health, and in the end I realized that I cannot fight that battle. 459 00:51:18,400 --> 00:51:22,880 He had to do it himself... if he wanted to. 460 00:51:24,520 --> 00:51:29,200 That always has to come from inside a person and not from outside. 461 00:52:00,600 --> 00:52:03,600 And to understand that I had to meditate. 462 00:52:05,600 --> 00:52:10,160 In my life, I have gone through many stages 463 00:52:10,600 --> 00:52:16,360 and I’ve explored various meditations and practices from diverse cultures. 464 00:52:17,200 --> 00:52:19,280 Always searching, searching, searching how. 465 00:52:37,000 --> 00:52:41,640 Like rivers full of water are going to fill the ocean, 466 00:52:41,880 --> 00:52:50,280 so whatever is given here, for the benefit of the deceased. 467 00:52:51,080 --> 00:52:58,560 When my mother passed away, I don't know if it was the great pain I felt 468 00:52:59,560 --> 00:53:03,000 that made me feel her presence next to me, 469 00:53:03,480 --> 00:53:06,080 and that I saw her so much... you know what I mean? 470 00:53:06,240 --> 00:53:10,080 When I went for a walk, I felt his presence at my side. 471 00:53:10,920 --> 00:53:13,920 Yes, there are many stories 472 00:53:14,760 --> 00:53:18,880 on these natural, mind-to-mind experiences. 473 00:53:20,480 --> 00:53:25,280 These messages are a kind of signal that may appear. 474 00:53:26,280 --> 00:53:31,880 We can do meritorious deeds on their behalf. 475 00:53:32,920 --> 00:53:37,960 Participating in doing this gives us good karmic energy. 476 00:53:41,400 --> 00:53:44,400 Now I am going to give you a blessing. 477 00:53:44,840 --> 00:53:51,400 Glory to him who is sublime, holy, fully awake. 478 00:53:52,000 --> 00:53:59,600 Glory to him who is sublime, holy, fully awake. 479 00:53:59,920 --> 00:54:05,560 Such, indeed, is the Kindly One: The Worthy One, fully enlightened, 480 00:54:05,920 --> 00:54:11,960 endowed with clear vision and virtuous conduct... 481 00:54:15,040 --> 00:54:18,200 Bhante takes me to witness a Buddhist burial 482 00:54:18,200 --> 00:54:26,800 to see death up close at the home of a priest whose father has passed away. 483 00:54:26,800 --> 00:54:30,080 People attending the funeral perform a ceremony in his honour. 484 00:54:30,680 --> 00:54:36,280 They relate with great pride the good deeds that the deceased performed in his or her life. 485 00:54:39,680 --> 00:54:46,400 They’re happy he will be reincarnated in another, better world, due to his good karma. 486 00:54:47,600 --> 00:54:51,080 According to their belief, at the last moment before we die, 487 00:54:51,400 --> 00:54:55,840 we all get the memories of what we’ve done in this life 488 00:54:56,320 --> 00:55:00,400 and in that instant it will be decided in which world we’ll be reincarnated: 489 00:55:00,720 --> 00:55:06,720 in heaven with the divinities or in Brahma, a higher and happier state with many virtues. 490 00:55:07,880 --> 00:55:11,120 The goal of a Buddhist is to attain Nirvana, 491 00:55:11,120 --> 00:55:15,560 the enlightenment, the sublime state of absolute peace, 492 00:55:15,880 --> 00:55:19,640 never to return to this material world. 493 00:55:23,600 --> 00:55:27,840 [Monk chants the qualities of the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha]. 494 00:56:03,960 --> 00:56:13,480 My partner has helped me a lot because she has accepted it, even with joy. 495 00:56:13,920 --> 00:56:21,360 I’m really grateful to my children and to Petra. 496 00:56:22,840 --> 00:56:26,840 for having allowed me to embark on this journey. 497 00:56:27,080 --> 00:56:28,920 What is the relationship like now? 498 00:56:29,480 --> 00:56:30,960 The relationship is excellent. 499 00:56:31,960 --> 00:56:40,720 I turned 60 last month and my children gave me a trip to Spain for 5 days. 500 00:56:40,720 --> 00:56:45,640 I was very surprised, and they told me: don't even think you're going without us. 501 00:56:46,800 --> 00:56:54,760 That’s great, because they both live at least 300 km away from home. 502 00:56:55,120 --> 00:56:59,280 and the fact that they come with... dad. 503 00:57:45,640 --> 00:57:52,200 I have decided to exhume the body of my parents in the company of Bhante Anuruddha, 504 00:57:52,480 --> 00:57:57,160 and take them to the village where they were born 505 00:57:58,720 --> 00:58:03,280 to give them the last farewell in the company of their brothers and sisters. 506 00:58:07,320 --> 00:58:11,520 I have just had the cremation of my father and mother as I will take them with me to Switzerland. 507 00:58:12,120 --> 00:58:15,120 I also brought them here. This morning I took them to mass 508 00:58:16,080 --> 00:58:21,360 and now we're going to have this ceremony, also for Consuelo, for Juan Pablo, for Diana... 509 00:58:26,240 --> 00:58:33,080 17 years ago, on the day of my mother's death, I had to travel to Colombia unexpectedly, 510 00:58:33,680 --> 00:58:38,760 without being able to organise a ceremony as I would have liked. 511 00:58:40,400 --> 00:58:46,520 Today it has been possible to perform this ceremony in the company of Bhante Anuruddha and my relatives. 512 00:58:51,600 --> 00:58:56,960 Finally I find peace and can let my mother go. 513 00:58:58,520 --> 00:59:02,360 I feel my father's presence reflected in Bhante Anuruddha. 514 00:59:08 I came to yoga because of problems with my back. 515 00:59:18 Then step by step I started practising different meditation techniques. 516 00:59:27 I've seen teachers from different parts of the world 517 00:59:34 but most of them were teaching (yoga) with ancient techniques. 518 00:59:44 Traditional meditation request to sit upright and concentrate, 519 00:59:53 to avoid your thoughts... 520 00:59:57 For us Europeans who never had any practise in it, 521 01:00:04 we don't sit meditating for hours. 522 01:00:13,160 --> 01:00:17,960 Feel your whole body, from top to bottom. 523 01:00:19,120 --> 01:00:22,120 The body never lies. 524 01:00:23 Then I met my teacher, Artem Derevydanko, 525 01:00:28 who opened for me the door to very deep meditation techniques 526 01:00:35 and we do it almost the opposite: 527 01:00:43 We do not sit up straight. 528 01:00:46 We do not stand still. 529 01:00:49 The goal is to reconnect with yourself 530 01:00:53 and really to meet with yourself. 531 01:01:00 When you look at your body, 532 01:01:03 Which part of your body do you focus on the most? 533 01:01:09 My feet. They are warm and tingling. 534 01:01:16 I love to see how people change. 535 01:01:22 I would say that after a year, you would see a completely different person here. 536 01:01:30 I've always found it difficult to concentrate in an uncomfortable position. 537 01:01:35 And you told me not to concentrate, but to let it flow, and that helped me a lot today. 538 01:01:40 That was a good approach for me, and I think that I can get further in this way. 539 01:01:46 Great, thank you very much. 540 01:01:52,000 --> 01:01:54,160 When we understand or recognise, 541 01:01:54,800 --> 01:01:57,800 and you really become aware of what has happened 542 01:01:58,240 --> 01:02:02,400 then we experience a recovery process. 543 01:02:02,800 --> 01:02:06,760 My father always criticised me for following this path. 544 01:02:08,880 --> 01:02:12,320 He said it had no solid foundation. 545 01:02:12,840 --> 01:02:16,560 This made me seek out, in my learning process, 546 01:02:16,560 --> 01:02:21,200 many sources from different cultures, from Indigenous healers, 547 01:02:21,600 --> 01:02:24,600 to esoteric masters, to Afro-Cuban Santeria traditions. 548 01:02:25,040 --> 01:02:29,400 Until I traveled to Cuba and there I met Frank Cabrera Suárez 549 01:02:29,880 --> 01:02:34,880 with an ancestral lineage of early slaves brought from Africa 550 01:02:35,480 --> 01:02:40,520 and from this cradle Santeria spread throughout the Americas. 551 01:02:41,040 --> 01:02:43,760 He became my master. 552 01:03:13,680 --> 01:03:17,880 After spending several days with Bhante Anuruddha meditating, 553 01:03:18,280 --> 01:03:21,560 immersed in silence and studying the dharma, 554 01:03:22,720 --> 01:03:27,840 I began to see my father's figure everywhere in him. 555 01:03:30,760 --> 01:03:34,600 Old memories of my childhood came to my mind 556 01:03:35,480 --> 01:03:38,480 of the violent environment in which I grew up. 557 01:03:38,800 --> 01:03:47,680 Sadness was a part of me, feeling a deep sorrow, for having chosen my gifts as a livelihood 558 01:03:49,280 --> 01:03:51,840 Perhaps that is why I always looked for teachers, 559 01:03:52,080 --> 01:03:57,160 and in each one of them I discovered a particular quality that made them similar to my father. 560 01:04:47,000 --> 01:04:56,800 It may be that, without doing all the work of a search, those years before I found my teacher, 561 01:04:57,280 --> 01:05:00,840 I wouldn't have recognised him when I found him. 562 01:05:03,960 --> 01:05:10,440 I was walking, walking, walking and at the end I came to a garden where there were fruits. 563 01:05:33,800 --> 01:05:37,200 I hope that the people who have accompanied me in this process 564 01:05:37,520 --> 01:05:41,280 will be able to recognise the origin and cause of their suffering. 565 01:05:41,920 --> 01:05:44,920 That they learn from every situation, no matter how negative it may seem, 566 01:05:45,480 --> 01:05:50,000 and that these events do not stop them in their evolutionary process. 567 01:05:52,560 --> 01:05:56,120 On the contrary, may it allow them to open new doors. 568 01:05:56,600 --> 01:06:02,720 All human beings are destined to suffer in one way or another. 569 01:06:05,960 --> 01:06:10,760 Today a new dawn begins in my life. I have awakened. 570 01:06:11,360 --> 01:06:17,280 I love Buddhism and all its philosophy. Thanks to it I feel free today, 571 01:06:18,080 --> 01:06:28,160 without abandoning my beliefs, I abide by and give relevance to its philosophy and practice.