Who we are
We are a non-profit entity with the mission of contributing to human development, social transformation and a culture of peace.
Instituto Caminho do Meio (ICM) was founded in 2008, consolidating the actions of social transformation of the Buddhist master Lama Padma Samten and his students, practitioners of Tibetan Buddhism linked to the Center for Bodhisattva Buddhist Studies (CEBB).
ICM activities take place in several cities in Brazil, together with CEBB villages – communities that emerge around CEBB Buddhist centers. Currently, they are mainly based in five of these villages: Viamão (RS), Timbaúba (PE), Alto Paraíso (GO), Canelinha (SC) and Quatro Barras (PR).
Our story
Instituto Caminho do Meio was legally constituted in 2008, but its activities began much earlier, due to the vision and action of Lama Padma Samten
Institutional Relations
Instituto Caminho do Meio seeks to act in a network, developing positive relationships with all social actors and promoting the protagonism of the communities with which we are involved.
Onu
On July 21 of 2022, ICM was approved with Consultative Status for its participation in the United NationsICM, as a consultant, has access to all UN mechanisms and procedural bodies, events and programmes.
Where we operate
We carry out various activities of public interest, in addition to promoting studies, research, development of alternative technologies, and the production and dissemination of technical and scientific knowledge in our areas of activity:
Education for happiness
This objective is to offer formative and educational actions for the Culture of Peace, based on the recognition of the internal world, on positive values and on a more fraternal and sustainable way of life. In addition to open courses and training in various areas, the ICM maintains three schools for Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education.
Social action and strengthening relationships
This purpose is to develop positive relationships with society, supporting and offering social assistance actions, coexistence and strengthening bonds, professional training workshops and sports, cultural and social activities.
Agroecology and regenerative practices
It seeks to promote educational actions and continuing education in the areas of sustainability, ecology, sustainable development, food production, among other topics.
It also supports solidarity economy and family farming activities. In the region of Chapada dos Veadeiros (GO), its activities took the form of a Research Center for Syntropic Agriculture (CEPEAS).
Working with traditional communities
Valuing and exchanging knowledge with traditional Brazilian communities is the objective here.
Instituto Caminho do Meio is regularly visited by indigenous leaders of different ethnic groups, opening up space for listening and learning from the views of their cultures. In particular, we have worked with the Guarani Mbya villages in Rio Grande do Sul.
Health, care and well-being
It seeks to promote approaches to health and care for life in its entirety, including the collective and psychic dimensions of the causes of illness, valuing regeneration and prevention.
For this, it has a network of therapists affiliated to different traditions, also promoting training courses in different lines.
Communication to transform the world
Its objective is to produce content and promote actions on important issues for the transformation of the world, as well as to promote dialogue between different religious traditions and diverse social, cultural and environmental movements.
The Bodhisattva Platform (Magazine and Publisher) and the “108 Hours of Peace” meeting, held annually since 1999, stand out.
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