Our fundamental values are found in the Dharma, the ethics of Zen Buddhism, and in the practice of attention. We also explore contemporary western methods that seek out human relations based on compassionate principles that promote conditions of “maximum benefit for everyone.” The organization is open, circular, participative, and interconnected.  Decisions and the selection of projects, assignments, and roles are made by consensus in open discussions.

The current Board of Directors includes:

President: Ricardo Toledo

    Ricardo Toledo lives with his wife, Sonia, and two children in Buenos Aires. He has been practicing Zen Buddhism since 1987. He graduated as a Counselor and as a therapist and trainer in Focusing. His experience in the fields of art, conscious bodywork, spirituality, and counseling has brought him to integrate a mind and body focus in the helping professions. He founded and directed the Humanistic School of Mind-Body Counseling.  He introduced the Hakomi Method in Argentina, a model that integrates mind-body therapy and the experiential method with Buddhist principles.  He has been trained in the model of Non-Violent Communication by Marshall Rosenberg.

    Ricardo teaches in educational institutions, private corporations, and government.  He provides consultation to individuals, couples, and families regarding their growth, well being, and conflict resolution.  He also facilitates learning and personal development groups.

Secretary: Ulrich Harmes-Liedtke

    Ulrich Harmes-Liedtke is German and since 2003 has lived with his wife Nanne in Argentina.  He had his first contact with Zen Buddhism when he was still in Germany in the eco-village of Steyerberg with Christoph Rei Ho Hatlapa.  In Buenos Aires he joined the Southern Winds sangha and has participated since then in the zazen and the intensive retreats.  In addition, he serves as a volunteer in the Maitreya Foundation. In his professional life he is a local community consultant in economic development.  His work requires a significant amount of travel in Latin America and Europe.  He specializes in community participation methods.  In Steyerberg he was trained in non-violent communication with Laurence Reichler and Marshall Rosenberg, and afterwards he was trained in conflict mediation based on the same principles. Ulrich is currently working on a green construction project in Chascomús in the Buenos Aires Province, where he lives with Nanne and his daughter Lara Claire.

Treasurer: Sonia Miriam Ortiz

    Sonia Ortiz is a native of San Luis and lives in Buenos Aires with her husband, Ricardo, and the two children. She began her Zen practice in 1987 and was a resident of the Shobo-an Zendo of Cordoba for a year.  Her teachers have included Augusto Alcalde, Robert Aitken, and since 1999, Daniel Terragno. She has studied Mind-Body Counseling, Non-violent Communication, and other disciplines. She was the institutional coordinator of the Humanist School of Mind-Body Counseling. As part of the Reciduca Foundation (Fundacion Reciduca), Sonia facilitates personal development workshops for adolescents. Sonia sustains and organizes, together with Ricardo, the activities of the Southern Winds Zen Group.  She is the publishing coordinator for the Foundation.