There is a mixture of joy and excitement in the air as Kadampa’s start arriving at the festival site from every corner of the world. The sun is shining and everywhere you look there is kindness in action as the final touches to the festival are put in place and volunteers take up their stations to make the magic of festival happen.

The temple is full of joyful chatter, then the quiet lull that comes before Gen-la Dekyong enters and the prayers begin, bringing us all together. At the front of the temple is a special shrine with a powerful, meditative Buddha Shakyamuni presiding over the festival.

Gen-la’s teachings on Saturday began a sublime commentary to Liberating Prayer, one of our uncommon Kadampa prayers appearing from the heart of our Root Guru. She explained how there are many levels to this prayer.

Today after an explanation of how our Spiritual Guide is in essence deathless and his mind always with us, we received an unexpected surprise of hearing Venerable Geshe-la’s voice resound in the temple giving us the blessing transmission of Liberating Prayer.

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.

Retreat days at the festival are very special. Having received so many teachings, and following the extraordinarily blessed refuge ceremony, it is now time to quiet the mind, delve deep within, and consolidate our experiences through meditation.

What a truly wonderful festival it has been. There was something magical and profound about how Gen-la Dekyong’s teachings gradually built refuge in our minds. The refuge vows ceremony marked the pinnacle of the festival, providing an opportunity to express and refine the special dedications and promises arising in our hearts.