Today is the last day of the Festival and, as is customary, we concluded with a viewing of the video of The Life of Buddha.

As Venerable Geshe-la says in his talk at the end, this is not an ordinary play but a correct direction we should take if we want to accomplish the real meaning of human life.

Venerable Geshe-la urges us never to tire of this story but to watch it again and again, and especially every year at the Festivals..

In this story we see the power of pure intention and pure actions to transform human life and bring immense benefit to others.

Watching it, we cannot help but be reminded of the story of our own Spiritual Guide and how throughout his life he has demonstrated how to transform a modern human life into a path to enlightenment that benefits countless living beings. It is such an inspiring message to take away from the Festival.

Gen-la Khyenrab joined us to watch the video and it was very moving to see him so deeply engaged in the story, from time to time wiping tears from his eyes.

At the end, Gen-la gave some final encouragement that he took from talks Venerable Geshe-la has given at the end of previous plays.

He encouraged us to do three things:

Look after our health, especially by eating healthily and avoiding extremes.

Stay happy all the time by controlling our delusions and always keeping a peaceful mind.

Maintain harmony wherever we go by applying the teachings on cherishing others we received at this Festival

Such beautiful, practical advice!

Thank you Gen-la for your extraordinary teachings.

Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to make this Festival such an enjoyable and meaningful experience.

But most of all, thank you Venerable Geshe-la for everything we have enjoyed this week, all of which has emanated from your extraordinary wisdom and kindness.

We dedicate all the virtues we have gathered at this auspicious event to your good health and long life, and from the depths of our hearts beseech you to remain for a very long time to continue to guide and protect the people of this modern world