The Chagdud Gonpa Odsal Ling City Center was founded in 1993 by His Eminence Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche. The center is dedicated to the study and practice of Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhism and is directed by Lama Tsering and Lama Norbu under the auspices of their master. The main focus of the center is the daily practices of Tara and Vajrakilaya as well as the weekly teaching schedule.

In early 2001, 15,000 square meters (1 1/2 acres) of land was purchased in Cotia, 15 miles outside of São Paulo, in order to build the Refúgio (Refuge), the Chagdud Gonpa Odsal Ling Country Center. The property has been developed with all the infrastructure necessary to support · Weekend and extended retreats, including a main residence and two guest houses, able to accomodate 20 - 30 people.

The Tibetan words Odsal Ling signify "The Abode of Clear Light" - the name which Chagdud Rinpoche chose to indicate the great blessings and realizations associated with spiritual practice. Odsal Ling´s objective is to create supportive conditions for the teachings of Vajrayana Buddhism, for training in philosophy, and for the meditation practices that are at the heart of the Nyingma lineage of Tibetan Buddhism Center .