Throughout the period when the Temple had been under construction at International Kadampa Retreat Center Grand Canyon, the center has maintained a full spiritual program in the temporary on-site meditation room and at various branches in the surrounding towns.

This weekend, just fifteen weeks before the Temple opens and the Fall Festival begins, the center held its 2nd annual Empowerment Weekend with Gen-la Jampa at which Gen-la granted a blissful empowerment and commentary to the practice of Great Mother Prajnaparamita. Gen-la is the Deputy Spiritual Director of NKT-IKBU and the Resident Teacher at IKRC Grand Canyon.

As Gen-la said, ‘ Who is Prajnaparamita? She is an enlightened being who is a manifestation of the perfection of wisdom of all the Buddhas. Just as a mother fulfills the wishes of her children, the Great Mother Prajnaparamita fulfills the wishes of all those seeking liberation and enlightenment. We should ask ourselves - "Am I seeing liberation & enlightenment?"'

People attended the event from all over North America, with even a contingent from the UK. And true to its name as an International Retreat Center, the event finished with two days of powerful retreat on the practice.

More information about the Fall Festival on the Festival website.