Month: October 2018

Discovering the real meaning of inner peace

‘Inspiring’, ‘Refreshing’, ‘Relaxing,’ ‘Profound’. We asked people what their experience of the Festival has been and these are just a few of the universally positive responses we received. The extraordinary empowerments, teachings and meditations have taken us to a place of profound inner peace. And the kindness, joy and inspiring company of everyone attending the … Read more

Creating a pure world through Kadam lojong

Today Gen-la began teaching Kadam lojong, which is part of Kadam lamrim, based on Venerable Geshe-la’s book,The New Eight Steps to Happiness. By relying on the practices of lojong, or training the mind, we can solve all our daily problems and complete the path to enlightenment. Gen-la emphasized that these are not two different processes … Read more

The oral instruction of the Yoga of Buddha Amitayus

Today Gen-la gave a brief commentary to the precious practice of the Yoga of Buddha Amitayus, which Venerable Geshe-la himself composed many years ago before coming to the West. Gen-la said that Venerable Geshe-la told him that this practice is a precious oral instruction. This sadhana includes all the essential practices of generation and completion … Read more

Entering the magical path of Tantra

This afternoon Gen-la Khyenrab demonstrated the liberating and creative power of meditation on emptiness as he guided us through the stages of the Amitayus empowerment. Once we realize that everything is merely appearance to mind, we can abandon ordinary, impure appearances and through the power of correct imagination generate ourself as a completely pure being … Read more

A beautiful dream begins

Last night Gen-la Khyenrab introduced the Fall Festival with a clear and practical explanation of Buddhist view, intention and practice. Gen-la emphasised the importance of developing sincere refuge in Buddha by contemplating his teachings again and again until our mind changes and we gain actual realisations. This is the key to pure Buddhist practice. In … Read more

An auspicious event at a very auspicious place

Seeing this idyllic place thronging with enthusiastic festival goers we cannot help but remember that auspicious day in 2011 when Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche flew to Portugal to choose the site for the new Temple. And the magical day two years later when Venerable Geshe-la returned to open and bless the completed Temple, and … Read more

Travelling the globe for Kadam Dharma

Hard on the heels of her extraordinary empowerments and teachings at the Summer Festival, Gen-la Dekyong’s trip to Switzerland, Germany and Australia is a powerful illustration of how hard this precious Teacher works to spread Kadam Dharma throughout the modern world. On the last leg of her tour, in Brisbane, Gen-la opened the new City … Read more

Festival countdown – Just 3 days to go

As you can see the final set up and cleaning is well under way thanks to the unflinching efforts of the local volunteers in Sintra. A big thanks to everyone who has helped over the last few weeks to make the Festival site so welcoming. Please enjoy these delightful photos taken by our intrepid 12-year … Read more

Planning a post-festival retreat?

After each of the three International Festivals, local Kadampa centers around the world organise follow-up retreats to give participants time to absorb the meaning of the teachings and empowerments they have just received. If you are thinking of joining a retreat, here is a list of the post Fall Festival retreats for this year. Hope … Read more