General Spiritual Director
Moments of Wisdom and Compassion: Highlights from Barcelona, London, and Basel
Dec 6, 2024
Bonus Bulletin - Sep 17
Read about some of the other wonderful activities taking place recently.
KMC Los Angeles | KMC Madrid | KMC Argentina | KMC Montreal | KMC Bilbao | KMC Plymouth
KMC Los Angeles
Kadampa Meditation Center Los Angeles had an amazing weekend with over 50 people attending the course "How to Enjoy a Life of Altruism". Both new and experienced practitioners learned how to use their daily experiences and transform them into the path of a Bodhisattva, a being that wishes to attain enlightenment to benefit others. To conclude the weekend, a beautiful Bodhisattva Vow ceremony was led by Gen Rigpa. Thank you to all the volunteers who made this event possible and all the attendees who made it such a powerful experience.
The best method to achieve profound blessings and create purity in our mind is through this retreat. More than 40 fortunate people from Madrid, Segovia, and Cádiz enjoyed this beautiful meditation retreat guided by our kind resident teacher, Gen Kelsang Tsongmo. In this very special retreat, which we engage in twice a year, we have been trained in two very powerful practices: Guru Yoga, a special way of relying upon a Spiritual Guide and receiving his blessings, and mandala offerings, a method to increase our merit or positive energy. Both are very powerful practices to purify and enrich our minds. By emphasizing these two practices, our spiritual development will gain power, and we will quickly attain realizations of both Sutra and Tantra.
In Guhyasamaja Tantra, Vajradhara says:
"Those who wish for attainments
Should mentally and skillfully fill this universe
With the seven precious objects.
By offering them every day,
Their wishes will be fulfilled."
How fortunate we feel to have shared with our precious Sangha such virtuous practices that will enable us to fulfill all our spiritual wishes!
Kadampa Meditation Centre Argentina
On Saturday 9th September, the Kadampa Meditation Centre Argentina hosted a potluck dinner, bringing the community together for a special evening. The event began with an inspiring talk by Gen Rinchung, the resident Teacher, who shared practical tips for difficult times and led a meditation on love. Attendees then enjoyed a joyful dinner filled with meaningful conversations. Two inspiring videos were shown, including a message from Gen-la Dekyong for NKT Day 2023 and a video celebrating the 40 years of kindness from Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche, the beloved Spiritual Guide. The evening concluded with a beautiful rendition of the "Liberating Prayer" sung a capella by one of the centre's practitioners. It was a wonderful evening, and gratitude was expressed to all who participated.
KMC Montreal
Each Sunday at KMC Montreal, following the book Eight Steps to Happiness by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche, Gen Chögyan shares practical advice that is easy to integrate into one's life so that every day we are inspired to develop the best of ourselves.
On Sunday September 10, participants were invited to share a soup meal after the teaching and take the opportunity to exchange and draw inspiration from others who share the joy of meditating and training their minds.
The first class of each series this autumn will offer this informal moment with the sangha.
KMC Bilbao
On September 2, a very auspicious new stage has begun for our beloved center. Through sung prayers and offerings, we have heartily thanked and bid farewell to Gen Kelsang Trime, who has been the resident teacher in the Basque Country and its surrounding areas for more than 9 years. With the same joy in our hearts, we have welcomed our dear new resident teacher for KMC Bilbao and its surrounding areas, Eva Pérez. We feel very lucky to have highly-qualified teachers who have committed their lives so that we can receive pure teachings.
Thank you, dear Geshe-la ✨❤️💎💎💎. May the Kadampa centers benefit all beings.
Early September, a group walk organised by KMC Plymouth enjoyed the lovely coastline with views over Plymouth Sound, Rame Head and out to the Channel. Everyone enjoyed a guided meditation, a chance to catch-up and the stunning views. KMC Plymouth will meet again soon for more walking adventures.
