General Spiritual Director
Fall Festival 2024 ~ Day 8
Nov 2, 2024
a place of refuge from the storm of everyday life
"Everybody Welcome" is a heart message of all Kadampa Centers worldwide. These past few weeks, some centers have made an extra effort to organize special events for newcomers to get to know their local center. KMC Durban in South Africa, KMC Barcelona in Spain, and KMC Berlin in Germany opened their doors, inviting everybody to these special events.
Taste of inner peace at KMC Durban
The Open Day at KMC Durban in South Africa, was a wonderful day with a gentle and constant flow of visitors. Resident Teacher Gen Jampel and Kelsang Chosang guided free 15 minute meditations throughout the day, giving people a taste of inner peace and an introduction to what they can find here at KMC Durban and at weekly classes we offer at other locations in Durban.
It was amazing to see so many people coming to experience this holy place, delighting in the beautiful and serene images of Buddhas and experience the peace and tranquility of such a beautiful public place.
As one attendee commented, "This truly is a place of refuge from the storm of everyday life."
Open doors and calçotada at KMC BARCELONA
The doors of Kadampa Meditation Center Barcelona - Monserrat are always open, but this day was special, emphasizing family activities. This way, everyone could enjoy this place of peace, share meditations and teachings, meet the community, and enjoy wonderful walking experiences and a traditional Catalonian meal - the calçotada.
More than 160 people attended this event. We thank all the people who made the day possible for their great kindness, in which more than 160 people participated. Our gratitude goes to our dear Founder, Geshe-la, for giving us this beautiful space to enjoy as a family.
Community building event in Germany
KMC Berlin opened its doors for an open house day last weekend. Gen Ananda, the Resident Teacher of the center, gave a talk called "Buddhism - what for?" and guided a taster meditation for newcomers. At the end of the day, a student at the center explained many aspects of the shrine, its statues and symbols.
In between sessions, guests enjoyed good coffee and homemade crêpes and cake. We are very happy to have welcomed many new people as well as those who haven't visited the center for some time. It was been a special community-building event for the center.
