FEELING PRIVILEGED AND GRATEFUL

It has been almost a year since I entered the Dharma path after stumbling upon an online meditation course that took place during the worst days of the lockdown.

I first started this spiritual practice in order to find some peace for myself but soon discovered the power of doing it for the benefit of others. I got to know my local Teachers and sangha in Barcelona and soon discovered how my practice changed once it took place in a larger community of kind hearted people.

After a year of enjoying the benefits of developing this practice I feel blessed, thrilled and slightly apprehensive ,I must admit, to have the opportunity to take the Heruka and Vajrayogini empowerment at this NKT Summer Festival.

I am aware of the importance of this event and extremely happy and grateful that in this complicated year that has produced so much suffering I can follow the empowerment surrounded by other Dharma practitioners in a beautiful Temple feeling part of this global sangha.

These people are always helpful and ready to offer their advice and share their experience, making it easier to receive the benefits and blessings of this event. I feel really privileged and grateful to be able to receive these powerful teachings hoping they will benefit myself and especially, the rest of sentient beings.

JARON, SPAIN

WHEN DOES AN EMPOWERMENT HAPPEN?

We want to say, during the empowerment ceremony, when we recognise the Teacher as living Buddha Heruka himself before us and receive his powerful blessings.

This is true, but this is a dependent related event that depends on much that goes before it:

1. When the Teacher is doing his or her empowerment preparations.
2. Through the work of the volunteers who ensure that the broadcast and translations reach thousands of people around the world.
3. In the work of registration team, and all those who prepare the ritual substances and offerings.
4. In the publicity for the event and the encouragement from the Teachers to attend.
5. In every teaching and example we receive from our Spiritual Guide.
6. When the ultimate bodhichitta of Heruka manifests as this Spiritual Guide.

How can we not recognise the miracle of all of this and be grateful for such infinite kindness?

LUCIANA, PORTUGAL