THE WHOLE WORLD PERVADED BY LONG LIFE POWER

I am so deeply moved by this empowerment... a universal moment of peace.

Thousands of people given the opportunity to form an indestructible heart connection with Buddha Amitayus through Venerable Geshe-la's immeasurable compassion.

How kind he is to offer us protection from the greatest obstacles to the fulfilment of our wishes in a time of such great need.

Coming to us, in our homes, never abandoning us... offering us the greatest opportunity to one day be able to help others in the same way. May Amitayus' long life blessings rain down on all suffering beings so that they may feel hope... freedom from the ocean of samsara.

Supreme friend and protector of the world, dearest spiritual guide, Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, thank you for this most precious opportunity. You give me and countless other living beings everything. - a meaningful life, inner peace in a world of so much conflict, wisdom, a sense of hope, a purpose, light.

You teach me the real meaning of long life and how to use every moment and situation to create happiness, even my own suffering! You teach me how to truly be of benefit in this world by aligning with your vision of wisdom and compassion. May you live for a very long time and continue to bless us forever.

And thank you Gen-la Dekyong for granting us the empowerment, leading us with so much love into the Pure Land of Sukhavati.

May we always abide in a world where the wheel keeps turning ❤️ until our hearts have become Dharma.

Katya, Russia

HOPING TO DIE WITHOUT FEAR OR REGRET

There are two questions I ask myself. How did I go into the Empowerment and how did I come out of it?

In Venerable Geshe la’s Introduction to the Yoga of Buddha Amitayus he uses the word “opportunity” five times. The opportunity not to waste this life, my own life: the rare opportunity that only comes with meeting pure Dharma. How many times have I read this and still not taken it to heart? How many times do I need to be told. Don’t waste it!

We know what “happens” in an Empowerment but what really matters is what happens is in our mind. That’s where the action is. And there was plenty of it today. What really struck home was not just the consummate clarity of Genla Dekyong’s presentation, but some special phrases. Most people, she said, are ignorant of their self-grasping ignorance. That is tragedy on a universal scale. But I am not ignorant of my ignorance – but I am still ignorant. And that is my problem.

I came out convinced I need to overcome my ignorance more than ever. That’s what changed for me today and I feel better for it. But I need the time to get that special wisdom and that’s where I got confidence from today’s Empowerment. I can say it felt like getting a new lease of life. That’s the whole point.

I don’t know when I will die but I hope to use what is left of it more wisely than before. And when I do die, I would like a gravestone. I would like it to say, “Here lies a modern Kadampa who died without fear or regret.” Today got me further towards that goal. I want to be able to advertise Buddha Amitayus and Kadam Dharma long after I’m gone.

Jeff, UK