This is a gallery of the different actions that we have taken as well as all of the activities that we’ve either organized or facilitated. Here, you can also view the testimonials of the people that we’ve met and helped.
Our Actions
We are infinitely grateful to the many teams around the world who have committed to helping Akhamani deliver food, essential medical supplies and equipment, education, school materials & supplies, housing, and relief to the many communities that are in need of assistance. We are deeply grateful to all of you for your support & trust in our cause.
Past Events Organized by Akhamani
Christmas Market 2024
A big thank you to all the participants and supporters who came to visit us at this years Akhamani Christmas Market at Studio Anahata Zen in Lille, France.
Through the sale of a variety of ancestral and artisanal products, we were able to exceed our goal of gathering enough funds for the construction of a water pump in a remote village in India, where people have no access to drinking water.
We could register enough purchases to even extend our help to other projects, like the purchase of much needed aliments for Mexican communities.
We are very delighted about all the support of our association members who came equipped with delicious cakes, tea and other handmade products to enrich our market and ensure a wonderful experience throughout the day.
Merry Christmas to everyone 🎄🌈🌎
Mexico 2024: Meeting the Otomi Community
We are grateful to the Otomi Community of la Marquesa for warmly welcoming us to their Temazcal ceremony. It is always a pleasure to work with them. We look forward to seeing them in Europe soon and to being back with them in Mexico in 2025. 
Mexico 2024: Fuego Nuevo de Chickaban
We are grateful to have been invited to the Chickaban Fire ceremony in Mexico that was lead and organized by Abuelo Jesús Fabián Ortiz. Thanks to his support and the work of our ambassador Leo Bardo Peña from Mexico and the Lovon Lama Shagdarsuren from Mongolia, a bridge was created between Mexico and Europe and between Mexico and Mongolia through the sacred fire of Chickaban. Through these unions and the sharings of ceremonial ways by the elders, we learn just how much more we are alike than we are different.
Our work to unite world wisdoms and to continue to respect the ancestral ways of life is at the core of what we do in Akhamani. May the lasting wisdom of our ancestors awaken within us for the benefit of all of creation
Mexico 2024: Wirikuta Pilgrimage
I am grateful to the women and men that walked with us in Wirikuta in the past. I do not forget their support and their work. They will remain in my heart’s prayers. With much respect to them, I walk now in my own prayer, in my own path.
I am also grateful to the current guardian of El Real de Catorce for warmly welcoming us to the main altar, to the Marakame who guides our journey, and to the Wixarika ambassador who walked with us this year.
We will continue our journey there to sustain the 4 year commitment to the desert in deepest respect to the way of the Wixarika people.
Without any of these people, our experience there would not be possible. Thank to those who walked with us in the past, and thank you to those who walk with us now
Conference: Consciousness from the Ancient Philosophy
Lead by Ambassador Leo Bardo Peña. France, September 16th 2024.
Building bridges of Ancestral Wisdom: Our valued Akhamani Ambassador Leo Bardo Peña made his journey to Lille, France to speak about the reconnection with the Olmec, Toltec, and Mayan philosophy and the science of self-knowledge. A series of teachings that were put into practice by the ancestors and can be applied to create a better reality and a coherent quality of life.
“Understanding the true origin and heritage of these teachings remains important in the effort to generate a conscious humanity. Let us remember that We are part of a Cosmic and Human Project“, is his message to the audience.
The conference conveyed a series of fully documented and scientifically proven discoveries that were transmitted by wise guardians of the Ancestral Wisdom and Heritage.
Akhamani is grateful to its Ambassadors and the continued support of our audiences. May together we make a difference in the world and continue to diffuse the Ancestral Heritage. 🙏🏼🌀✨
Supporting communities in Mongolia: Pilgrimage through Mongolia September 2024
In September 2024 several association members pilgrimaged through Mongolia and were privileged to attend ceremonies, prayers and teachings normally closed to the public. They were also granted permission to access sites that are not open to the public. During the pilgrimage they could provide aid to the communities and visited places like the Tövkhön Monastery, Khamar Monastery and the Khan Monastery. All of which do continuously receive donations provided by Akhamani to help preserve and restore these sacred sites. Food and water was offered to the monks of the monasteries. The process of the restauration through the assistance provided by Akhamani was shown to the attending members with great joy and gratitude. During the stay at Tövkhön Monastery the members were able to witness the bridge that was established between Mongolia and Mexico. One of the travelers (Leo Bardo Peña) was present as ambassador to hand over sacred objects that carry the blessings and appreciation of the Mexican elders to the Lovon Lama Shagdarsuren Baynjargal. In Mongolia, Akhamani also provides aid to a school where the donations help to aquire school supplies, furniture and paints.
Our gratitude goes out to all that have donated to Akhamani and to those who traveled with us. 🙏🏼🇲🇳🌀
Brocantes 2024 France and Germany
This year, two brocantes were organized by Akhamani. One was in Lambersart, France and the other one in Aachen, Germany.
Brocante – Lambersart, France
Our event took place on June 2, 2024, in the streets of Lambersart. Residents and non-residents had the opportunity to purchase a stall along the streets. Akhamani offered singing bowl healing sessions and sold juices from an organic farm in Germany. We thank our association member, Jonas, for offering the benefit of the sales of his juices to akhamani.
All funds raised during the brocante were donated to pay for food and water for children in India. We are deeply grateful to the team in India for their help. Without their hard work, we would not be able to assist so many children and women who live in the slums.
Brocante – Aachen, Germany
Members of our association set up a stall on a private driveway on June 8 and 9, 2024. Organic juices from the farm of Jonas were also sold here. Additionally, Heike offered organic honey from her apiculture, Julia donated waffle dough, and the Le Blan and Träbert families donated household utensils and clothes. Our gratitude goes to all of our members for their donations for this fund raiser. Our brocante enjoyed two sunny summer days that led to a great weekend of socializing with the people of the area, eating waffles, drinking coffee and tea, and spreading the word about the vision of Akhamani.
Thank you to all association members who took the time to be at the events to make it possible.
Support for Tövkhön Monastery and Local Communities 2023
We extend our deepest gratitude to each of you who have supported Akhamani’s initiatives this past year. Your contributions have been instrumental in advancing meaningful projects, including the construction of the temple in Mongolia and aiding local communities with food. The acquisition of a sewing machine has empowered local women, offering them a pathway to financial independence by crafting and selling clothing. Each contribution, no matter the size, has been instrumental in these achievements, creating lasting change.
As we look forward to continuing our mission, we warmly invite those who wish to keep making a difference to consider further donations. Your ongoing support is crucial for sustaining and expanding our efforts, enabling us to touch more lives and foster greater positive change. Together, we can continue to make a significant impact on communities in need around the world.
Thank you for your generous spirit and continued faith in our work. 🙏🏼🌸
Akhamani Christmas Sale 2023
On December 21, Akhamani held a Christmas Sale, a festive initiative to support our ongoing humanitarian efforts to provide assistance to communities in need all across the world.
This special event showcased a variety of ancestral products, offering visitors a unique opportunity to purchase gifts that carry deep cultural significance. Each sale contributed to our mission, enabling us to extend a helping hand where it’s most needed.
We’re deeply grateful to all Akhamani members for their dedication and hard work in organizing this event, and to every visitor who joined us, making this Christmas sale a meaningful success. Your support plays a vital role in our continued journey to make a positive impact worldwide.
Thank you for standing with us. 🙏🏼✨🌍
Journey to Mexico 2023
In December 2023, Akhamani, continuing its tradition of cultural immersion and collaboration with the communities we support, organized an expanded cultural journey across Mexico. This year, our exploration took us to the mesmerizing Atlantes de Tula Hidalgo, the magical heights of El Nevado de Toluca, and the vibrant heart of downtown Toluca.
Our members, deeply connected to Akhamani’s mission, immersed themselves in the profound historical and cultural tapestry of each visited site, gaining insights and understanding that transcend mere touristic experiences.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Leo Bardo Peña, our esteemed Akhamani Ambassador, the ever-supportive Lopez Family, and Don Javier from the Otomi community, whose invaluable assistance was instrumental in crafting these enriching experiences. Their dedication not only facilitated these cultural excursions but also deepened our connections with the local heritage and its custodians, making this year’s trip an unforgettable journey of discovery and appreciation for all involved.
Supporting the Otomi Community: Food Distribution 2023
On the 6th of December 2023, a committed team from Akhamani, alongside ambassador Leobardo Peña, came together once more for a humanitarian cause: supporting the Otomi Community within the Marqueza Region of Mexico. This year, as in the past, numerous families were the beneficiaries of the collected donations. The Otomi who were able to, made their way to the distribution site, where they were greeted with bags filled with essential food items, personal hygiene products, and cleaning supplies. Special arrangements were made to ensure that these necessities reached the elderly and those unable to travel, directly to their homes.
This occasion marked yet another memorable exchange between cultures, filled with an atmosphere of joy and heartfelt gratitude. The warmth and openness of the Otomi community turned this event into more than just a charitable gesture; it became a bridge between worlds, allowing for meaningful connections to blossom.
In this year’s reflection, Akhamani wishes to extend a heartfelt thanks to the Lopez and Le Blan families for their relentless effort in the collection and organization of the donations. Their involvement in the planning and execution phases, including the logistics of transportation, was indispensable. Recognition goes to the Otomi individuals who put forth considerable effort to support this act of kindness towards their community. Last but certainly not least, our gratitude goes out to all Akhamani members who, whether by making the journey to Mexico or by contributing from afar in Europe, played a pivotal role in the success of this initiative.
As we document this year’s journey, it serves not only as a record of what we’ve achieved but also as a beacon of hope and collaboration that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries.
White Tara Workshop 2023
Between the 8th and 11th of September, Venerable KhenpoTsultrim Tenzin Rinpoche honored our association with his presence in Lille.
Our students where able to follow his teachings of the White Tara, and practiced her Sacred Sadhana together out in nature. Afterwards we went in search of the best ice cream in town, to find some refreshment on these last summer days of the year.
Our deepest appreciation goes to our Ven. Rinpoche and Akhamani Ambassador Khenpo Tsultrim Tenzin for his continued heartfelt efforts to cultivate and diffuse the Ancestral Ways of Life.
Summer Meal 2023
In honor to our association members, Akhamani organized a local Summer Meal in July 2023. With great appreciation we shared beautiful moments together, including many smiles, engaging conversations, and delicious food. Our gratitude goes to all our association members for their continued support of our humanitarian efforts.
Brocante 2023: Community Yard Sale
In June 2023, our yearly Brocante sale in the city of Lambersart, Lille was a great success. People from across the city came to participate and share their art, hand made products and second hand articles on this sunny day. Our special thanks goes to Jonas for donating the income of his artisanal juices in benefit to our humanitarian efforts.
Akhamani is grateful to all the participants and visitors who made this vivid exchange possible. All raised funds directly finance out humanitarian projects.
Organized Visit to Mexico 2022
Akhamani, in colaboration with the local communities that we assit, organized a cultular visit to El Cosmovitral, Toluca; La Catedral de Guadalupe, Mexico; El Nevado de Toluca, and down town Toluca. The adhering members of Akhamani enjoyed local food and learned a lot about the historical and cultural aspects of the locations visitted.
Akhamani thanks Leo Bardo Peña (Akhamani Ambassador), the Lopez Family, and Don Javier of the Otomi for their help in organizing these activities for the adhering members of Akhamani.
Casa Teocalli Gathering 2022
on the 16th of December, Akhamani, in collaboration with Ehekatl Cipactli (Akhamani ambassador), organized a conference on Art of Living Teachings. Both Haske Yilnayah Oso, founder and chief of the Teocalli house, and venerable Khenpo Tsultrim Tenzin Rinpoché (Akhamani Ambassador) offered joint teachings about wellbeing and the practice of mindfulness. There were about 35-40 people that were present, including Crizalia Le Blan (Akhamani president) and several adhering members of Akhamani.
Participants expressed appreciation for the event and the ability to have learned about different traditions and their perspectives on life and well-being. This meeting was valuable because it unites people of seemingly different views, yet sharing a common goal; To live a balanced and happy life. After the teaching, the Teocalli House offered traditional Mexican food that was enjoyed by all.
Green Tara Workshop in Toluca, Mexico 2022
From the 10th – the 11th of December, Akhamani organized and sponsored a Green Tara Workshop in Toluca Mexico. The workshop was led by venerable Khenpo Tsultrim Tenzin Rinpoché and translated by Crizalia Leblan and Montserrat Carbajal into Spanish and by Julie Gaultier into French. There were approximately 40 people present from different parts of Mexico, France, and Germany. Everyone present reported having enjoyed the possibility to learn about or to strengthen their practice of the green Tara for their well-being and life tranquility.
Akhamani thanks The Otomi Community who came out to cook traditional meals for the participants; Exposing them to the beautiful culture of Mexico. We also thank the Akhamani adhering members that flew into Mexico from Europe to participate in the workshop.
Food Distribution to the Otomi Community 2022
On the 14th of December, the president of Akhamani, engaged adhering members, and ambassador Khenpo Tsultrim Tenzin Rinpoche, participated in the distribution of Food to the Otomi Community in the Marqueza Region of Mexico. 100 families were helped that day. The Otomi that were able to travel, came to the place of distribution and received bags with food, sanitary products, and washing agents. Don Javier Peña of the Otomi delivered by car to the elderly or the ill.
It was a heartfelt meeting of the different nations with many joyful and grateful faces. The Otomis welcomed the Visitors with open arms and hearts, making the Europeans feel at home, and allowing personal connections to form.
The humanitarian work in Mexico also included helping women with Administration work, which was executed by locals who helped the women fill out the administration forms in order for them to get their artisan permits. Akhamani financed the licenses. With this combined effort, 30 women are now able to sell their crafts and feed their children independently.
Akhamani is grateful to The Lopez and the Le Blan family for their hard work in collecting and gathering donated food, for their support in organizing and planning the distribution of the food, and for taking care of setting up the transport of all participants that were present that day. We are also grateful to the Otomi members who worked hard in supporting this humanitarian effort for their community. Finally, we thank the Akhamani members that flew out to Mexico to help distribute the food and the members who worked hard from France to help make all of this possible.
Teotihuacan Visit 2022
On the 15th of December, adhering members of Akhamani, people from Mexico, & Khenpo Tsultrim Tenzin Rinpoche (Akhamani ambassador), went to Teotihuacan where Leo Bardo Peña (Akhamani Ambassador) guided the visit and shared his vast knowledge about the sites. A deep exchange of different cultures took place and the participants had the possibility to connect directly with the history of the Teotihuacan.
Casa Regina Gathering 2022
On the 8th of November, Akhamani collaborated with our ambassador Kenpo Tsultrim Tenzin Rinpoche to commemorate Regina and Don Antonio, Velazco Peña at the Casa de Regina in Mexico. Regina was a lead figure that brough Buddhism into Mexico and who fought for human rights and the freedom of expression. Don Velazco, was a renowned national author and close friend of Regina. Today, both have passed away, yet their legacy and inspirational work remains and inspires many. We were honored to have been allowed to make this event possible.
Present during the commemoration were the sister of Don Velazco, Leobardo Peña (ambassador of Akhamani), Crizalia LeBlan (president of Akhamani) and 7adhering members of Akhamani.
Conference 2022: The Art of Living
On the 2nd of Juli 2022, a beautiful exchange between cultures took place at the Conference of “The Art of Living “. Speakers from around the world represented their roots, answered questions, and allowed insights into Buddhist, Mexica, and Western philosophies. Akhamani is grateful to the Tibetan Community in the North of France for preparing the delicious traditional food that was served for dinner.
Thank you to the speakers, the Tibetan Community, and the participants for helping us make this event possible.
Celebration with the Tibetan Community in Lille, France
In honor of the birthday of HH The Dalai Lama we celebrated this year 2022 together with the Tibetan Community in the North of France.
Big smiles and delicious food were as important as traditional Tibetan music and dance.
Thank you for this beautiful gathering.
Brocante 2022: Community Yard Sale
We thank our association volunteers for coming out to help us run the event. All proceeds went to finance our recurrent assistance to the project Together Rising (to keep girls in school) and to finance nutritional and educational projects in impoverished communities in India. Thank you for trusting our projects!
Ukraine Relief
Akhamani thanks the many volunteers that came out to help us sort through the boxes and bags of donated items; to the many that dropped off food, medicine, clothes, hygiene kits, medical equipment, and more; and to those of you who contributed financially for the rental of a truck and the fuel to help us deliver the help.
With the funds raised from both the donations and our Bingo event, we purchased: basic food, water, general hygiene, and medicine for the war refugees at the border of Polland and Ukraine. Together we stood strong to actively help those suffering the ravages of war. Thank you for your trust in our cause.
Loto 2022
On February 27th, 2022 Akhamanni organized a community bingo at the Mont Garin Farm of Lambersart, France. Close to 200 participants showed up for the event! We thank our association volunteers for coming out to help us run the event, the people that donated the prizes that were handed out, and for the baked goods that were sold. The proceeds of our event served to finance our Ukraine relief effort and to send food to impoverished communities in Mexico. Thank you everyone for supporting our cause!
Conference 2021: Songs of the World
Music is one of the few human expressions that bridges cultures and communicates in a language that everyone in the world can understand; It’s a powerful experience that touches people’s hearts and takes them on a journey to their own humanity. It was thus with great joy that Akhamani invited everyone to experience an aspect of the world’s cultural heritage through the voices of Gazom Lhamo & Tha Wiyaka Wakan.
We thank Gazom Lhamo and Tha Wiyaka Wakan for traveling to Lambersart, France to share their songs with us; For their disposition to speak to us openly about their culture and the symbolism behind their songs. Thank you, Gerard, Sabine, Fréderic, & Thomas for your help in organizing and working long hours to make this event possible. We are also grateful to the media team for their services, which allowed Akhamanni to broadcast the conference worldwide.
Brocante 2021: Community Yard Sale
On the third of October, 2021 Akhamani organized a community yard sale “brocante” in the city of Lambersart, France. Despite the heavy rain & cold temperatures, we managed to raise enough funds to finance our project to make drinking water accessible in a small village in India. Thank you Fréderic & Sabine for your long hours of work & commitment to organize this event. Our gratitude also goes out to the Akhamani members that came to help us run the “brocante”. Water is life!
Past Workshops and Retreats Facilitated by Akhamani
Feminine Reconnection Workshop
Many thanks to Ehekatl Cipactli, Fire medicine woman from the Teocalli house in Mexico, for offering European women a feminine reconnection; An event facilitated by Akhamani at Anahata Zen in Lomme. Thank you to all the participants for their trust, good humor and kindness.
White Tara Initiation Retreat
Amidst the beauty of the Swiss Alps, our practitioners were introduced into the Buddhist Philosophy and Meditation. During one week of retreat, we received the Empowerment and Practice of the White Tara from Ven. Khenpo Tsultrim Tenzin Rinpoche.
Our excursions brought us to various powerful places in the area. We traveled from the high mountains and glacier lakes down to the deep canyons of the valley. The water element was our constant companion along the way and invited to release and flow, as we faced ourselves to find strength and peace within.
Our deepest gratitude to Ven. Khenpo Tsultrim Tenzin Rinpoche and to all the participants.
Green Tara Retreat
On the 30th of June 2022, a group of students received the Empowerment, Teachings, and Practice of the Green Tara through Akhamani’s ambassador Ven. Khenpo Tsultrim Tenzin Rinpoche. We are grateful for this opportunity to learn, grow and evolve together.
Dzogchen Meditation Introduction Weekend
Deep gratitude to Rinpoche for leading our Akhamani members in an introductory weekend to Dzogchen Meditation teachings and practice. We equally thank Karsang for, once again, sharing her beautiful chants with all of us. We look forward to seeing you both again.
Thank you also to the members who signed up for the gathering and for everyone’s continued support to Akhamani’s humanitarian efforts.
Thank you Catherine Duluc for opening up the doors to your center ‘Anahata Zen’ so that Akhamani could make this event possible
Vajrayana Monlam
“This weekend the Tibetan Meditation Center held two special programs that required the support and generosity of many people. On Saturday we hosted the first Vajrayana Monlam which included representatives- in person or by Zoom- from all four Buddhist lineages; & on Sunday we offered a Liberation Puja to confer blessings on the deceased as well as the living. We thank Akhamani for being one of the sponsors of this special event”. — In Dharma, Khenpo Tsultrim Tenzin Rinpoche
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Assisting Akhamani means helping to support populations, cultures, knowledge, and places that tend to disappear while creating a real link that transcends borders.
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