General Spiritual Director
Fall Festival 2024 ~ Day 1
Oct 25, 2024
The Experience of Close Retreat
It is a few weeks since some Kadampa Centers began their Supreme Ocean of Infinite Good Fortune retreats - the close retreat collecting 100,000 recitations of our Guru’s name mantra. This is the first time this retreat has been done as group close retreat at Kadampa Centers and we asked people to tell us about their experience in Manjushri KMC, KMC Spain and KMC Hong Kong.
Manjushri KMC
The retreat was attended by people from all over the world. It began with an introduction to the practice by Gen-la Dekyong, the Resident Teacher of Manjushri KMC. Thereafter Gen-la presided every session and gave a short teaching to help people deepen their understanding, in some evening sessions.
KMC Spain
At KMC Spain the retreat was led by Resident Teacher, Gen Chokga. Enjoy the video below to get a feel for the experience of this retreat.
From a retreater
Today I am in the 6th Temple for World Peace in Malaga, in the Pure Land of Heruka, doing this retreat that is opening my heart and allowing me to feel so much that it is difficult to find words to express. I feel that every teaching of Venerable Geshe-la of the 15 years since I met him is coming to life, every word of every prayer and every mantra that brings me closer to him is helping me to realize so many things. I pray that everyone finds an opportunity to do a retreat like this or any retreat that allows you to stop a little and connect with your Spiritual Guide so that he can show you the truth of Dharma.
KMC Hong Kong
At KMC Hong Kong the retreat was preceded by a weekend course with Resident Teacher, Gen Tonglam, where he gave teachings on the precious prayer “Request to the Holy Spiritual Guide Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso from his Faithful Disciples” based on the teaching given by Gen-la Kelsang Dekyong at Manjushri KMC. The next day with their minds blessed and inspired the students began their retreat..
When I'm counting Geshe-la’s name mantra, I remember receiving the transmission from my Teacher many years ago. It reminds me that none of our effort is wasted, and I feel close to the Teachers and Buddhas.
Ca
I am very grateful for the opportunity to do close retreat in my hometown, Hong Kong. Especially I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to do this 'Supreme Ocean of Infinite Good Fortune' retreat. My main focus is to practice remembering Geshe-la in my heart and requesting him to bestow the state of union of Heruka so that I can effortlessly benefit all living beings. I wish everyone who participates in the retreat enjoys every moment of it.
Faye
During this retreat, I feel that my Guru is in front of me, very close, very loving, and very happy listening to me making requests to him. I am more and more happy during the retreat.
Grace
I am very grateful to have the precious opportunity to engage in this close retreat, creating the cause to never separate from my root Guru. I know Venerable Geshe-la is always with me. I just need to keep practicing not forgetting him as this is a dependent relationship.
Margaret
