People are arriving from all around the world, greeting each other on planes, at the airport, in the taxi queue and as they arrive on site.  Even though there are over 1000 people attending, through the kindness of all the many volunteers arrival is smooth and registration is swift.  

People are extremely happy to be back, to more deeply appreciate this blessed place.  With its five tiered golden temple roof shining in the sun and silhouettes of the mountains in the distance it is easy to feel you are entering into a pure world where you can let go of ordinary life for a time and focus on inner development. 

As the sun goes down the first teachings take place in the temple with Gen-la Kelsang Khyenrab, NKT_IKBU Retired General Spiritual Director. He gives us a warm welcome and then shares an overview of the 11 reversals as presented by our Founder, Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso in 1994 in Berlin.  He places particular emphasis on how to listen, contemplate and meditate skilfully.  Then he applies this to the first reversal which reveals the practice of relying on our Spiritual Guide. 

In the words of one participant “the teachings were perfect preparation for the empowerment.”