"BEMVINDO" means Welcome in Portuguese. Our third country on this remarkable tour is Brazil and it was very welcoming. A country of more than 200 million inhabitants, Brazil dominates the size and population of South America. Brazilians are a happy people. They are very loving, generous, smiling and fun. Their passion is exhibited in dance, music, food, fashion, and practically every aspect of life. Founded by the Portuguese 500 years ago, Brazil has become a wonderful mixture of native indigenous people, Spanish, Portuguese, Lebanese, Italian and African descendents. Their love, flavor and passion for life is evident in all things Brazilian.
Our first stop in Brazil is Belo Horizonte - The third largest city. It is a huge center of commerce located 5 hours from Rio de Janiero. In all of Brazil, Belo Horizonte has gravitated tremendously to the teachings of Kundalini Yoga and Shabad Guru. All the Kundalini Yoga Teachers in BH are from the professional community ranging from the president of Brazil's largest University [600 campuses] to government and business elite of the city and State of Minas Gerais. Even the largest bank in Belo Horizonte has a 3 year contract for workshops in anti-
Stress based on the teachings of Yogi Bhajan and Kundalini Yoga. Dr. Guru Sangat Kaur with others who started ABAKY [Brazilian Association of Friends of Kundalini Yoga] have established not only the first Gurdwara in Belo Horizonte but also 26 yoga centers to teach, and business's to fund their seva projects including Langar Brazil, Abused Women's Network, Children's Outreach and Programs for Men. It is an incredible model of success.
As you will be able to see through the following pictures the men's workshop is a great success because usually it is women who participate. The Woman's course, the Lord of Miracles Lecture and all the activities held in Brazil are very successful. When you look at the pictures be reminded that all of these beautiful people are Brazilian and they have adopted and adapted the Sikh lifestyle in their personal lives. The last few pictures show our wonderful time in Rio de Janiero where our community is starting to flourish. When we visited the large statue of Christ that presides over the city, there was more interest in whom we were and whom we represent than you can imagine. Look into the eyes of the people in these pictures and you will be able to have a real glimpse of what Guru Gobind Singh prophesized - that we will be 960 million living the lifestyle of healthy, happy, and holy.
