“The day dawned cloudy, rainy and humid, but we bathed in the sun of the radiant smiles of the people assembling for the event. These happy faces were to be a defining feature of the entire weekend. It was such a joyful occasion.

“Under the guidance of our National Spiritual Director Guen Chokga, Arya Tara entered our hearts and purified our body, speech and mind. Now we experience her sublime presence and through her blessings enjoy our practice of compassion and wisdom

“We started the second day with the practice The Yoga of the Enlightened Mother Arya Tara under the guidance of our dear Teacher Guen Rigden. With his usual gentle and cheerful mood he woke us up for a great day.

“Gen Chokga's teachings on the last day were so powerful they made us both laugh and cry. Transmitting some of the teachings given at the International Fall Festival, she taught us how to ask for help, find the object of meditation, change our basis of imputation, and identify and change our deepest desires.

“Then we said goodbye to our precious Spiritual Director having experienced the power of Dharma, the blessings of the Buddhas and the support of the Sangha.

“After a brief retreat we helped with the winding up and headed home, but Tara, the Temple and the Sangha all stayed with us!”