News from the post Fall Festival retreats
Nov 13, 2024
International Spring Festival 2023 diaries
The Source of Happiness and Goodness
May 26 - 31 2023
A Special Commentary to The Liberating Prayer & International Refuge Vow Ceremony
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MAHAYANA REFUGE CEREMONY
THE REAL MEANING OF THE REFUGE CEREMONY
Gen-la helped us understand the real meaning of the Refuge Ceremony by giving the transmission of an explanation by Venerable Geshe-la.
Just being at festival we are inside refuge. Listening to teachings, meditating and placing ourself inside our Guru’s vision for flourishing Kadam Dharma. It was so inspiring to be part of a worldwide sangha dedicated to ending suffering and bringing about world peace.
We heard the story of the 1000 Bodhisattvas dedicating their merit to liberate those not yet liberated and it was not difficult to draw a parallel to our modern setting with over 1000 people gathered together making breathtaking offerings and heart felt dedications. Offering not only the bountiful banquet of delight set out in front, but the deeper inner offerings of our faith and virtue.
Without doubt the karma we created together is life changing and world altering for both ourselves and others. The ceremony, rooted in compassion, concluded with special dedication prayers enabling us to give our merit to others and the world. Gen-la emphasised the importance of dedicating for pure Kadam Dharma to flourish in the world as the method to fulfil all of our other prayers and the only way to truly eradicate suffering and bring peace.
“However many living beings there are
experiencing mental and physical suffering
may their suffering cease through the power of my merit
and may they find everlasting happiness and joy.”
DAY 3 – REFUGE IN THE THREE JEWELS
Throughout this Festival we have felt so connected to our Guru Founder Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche. It is clear that it is through his kindness we have the Three Jewels in our life.
There are so many opportunities at festival to go for refuge, that in many ways you could call it a festival of refuge. Everywhere you look there are Sangha inspired by Buddha, talking about Dharma and embodying Dharma through their actions.
FEATURE VIDEO
ENJOYING REFUGE IN OUR SPIRITUAL FRIENDS AT FESTIVALS
Today was the 29th day of the month - Protector Day. During the afternoon we engaged in a powerful group puja, accumulating collective merit, by relying on and making offerings to our Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden.
Then in the evening it was time to gently begin retreat with Gen Rabten, who encouraged us to relax and just feel in the presence of Buddha.
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Geshe-la has helped us understand that causing Kadam Dharma to flourish will give protection and happiness to all living beings.
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ENJOYING REFUGE IN BUDDHA, DHARMA AND SANGHA
