ONE OF THE MOST POWERFUL TEACHINGS I HAVE EVER RECEIVED

I don’t know if it’s entirely the result of trying to listen with the six recognitions that Gen Thekchen encouraged us all to hold in the Introduction on Friday night, but it is very hard not to think that there was something truly extraordinary - from their own side! - about the teachings we received today from Gen la Dekyong.

Our General Spiritual Director is really a living example of the results of practising exactly what she teaches: the advice she has received directly from her own Spiritual Guide, Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche.

Her explanation this morning of how to meditate effectively - so that it works - so that the meaning of Kadam Dharma touches our hearts, moves our minds and transforms our lives - was one of the most powerful teachings I think I’ve ever received.


And then this afternoon Gen la gave the most profound and powerful explanation of how to apply this to the meditations on renunciation and bodhichitta.

Using Venerable Geshe la’s oral instruction on how to find the real object of renunciation, Gen la helped us to generate a truly terrifying, empowering wisdom fear of samsara in all our hearts.


Discussing afterwards with others it seems that everyone who listened is now deeply inspired and encouraged to try to practise to the very best of our ability - to become fortunate, modern Kadampa disciples. Because, as Gen la said, we can wake up from this nightmare, and then we can lead all living beings to permanent freedom.


How on earth will she top this tomorrow?!

GEN KELSANG JIGME, UK

A CONSTANT SOURCE OF INSPIRATION

It is difficult to imagine what causes we must have created to be at tis Festival and receive the sublime transmission of Kadam Lamrim from Gen-la Dekyong, who has received it directly from Venerable Geshe-la himself.

All day people were talking about how amazing the first two teachings were. The first was an exquisite demonstration of how through the kind of faith and devotion Gen-la shows, you can become so close to your Spiritual Guide that when people listen to your teachings they feel as if they are actually in his presence!

What a teaching! What great good fortune to have received the most intimate instructions on how to meditate revealed directly by Venerable Geshe-la himself.

This teaching will resonate in my mind fo the rest of my life and serve as a constant source of inspiration to strive to engage in qualified meditation.

Thank you Geshe-la, thank you Gen-la.

KELSANG, UK

CONNECTING TO THE DHARMA CURRENT

Today we learned our life has a secret switch, how one connection can lighten up our whole existence. This is the connection between the appearances of our daily life and Kadam Dharma.

As Genla Dekyong revealed, when this happens all our daily activities become our practice. We don’t use meditation to escape from life. Instead we get a special energy. Our life itself becomes our meditation practice. Every moment becomes meaningful, every experience infused with Dharma, every action leading us closer towards Enlightenment.

How do we connect? Through Venerable Geshe la’s uniquely powerful Lamrim meditation instructions. Take these deeply to heart and our mind, our determinations and our daily appearances meld effortlessly into one. How can we not make progress? We just need to switch on. Connect to our Guru and keep the current flowing.

JEFF, UK