General Spiritual Director
Fall Festival 2024 ~ Day 1
Oct 25, 2024
Bonus Bulletin - 22 May
Read about some other recent activities organized by Kadampa Centers around the world.
Opening a new location in Barrie, Canada
Jampa Ling KBC opened the doors of our new location on 11 May 2024. Many people came from all over Ontario to participate in prayers to Arya Tara, a delicious lunch, a wonderful afternoon of meeting new people, some guided meditations, and children’s activities.
Many thanks to our Resident Teacher Gen Suma, and others who made it so special!
IKRC Grand Canyon site improvements
This spring, construction began on installing a new 80,000-gallon water tank on the back property of the IKRC Grand Canyon. Thank you to the workers, our Admin team, and all our kind supporters and benefactors for helping to make this project possible, and making sure there will always be enough water even during hot and dry summers.
Annual Teaching Skills at Tharpaland KMC
Tharpaland KMC hosted its annual "Teaching Skills" TTP workshop with students from Dresden, Berlin, and Tharpaland. The program consisted of chanted prayers, meditations, special teaching presentations from the students, group discussions, as well as teachings provided by Gen Ananda, the National Spiritual Director for Germany. The focus was on the heart commitment of sincere Kadampa Buddhists - to take some responsibility to help Kadam Dharma flourish - and on gaining or increasing self-confidence in our own ability to help others through teaching activities. The course concluded with Shantideva's famous prayer for the flourishing of Buddhadharma. Everyone left encouraged and inspired to share the precious teachings of Buddha with others!
Meditation for Peace on the Hill in Ottawa
We held a profound meditation on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Saturday, May 18, led by Resident Teacher Gen Kelsang Thekchen. About 60 people gathered on the lawn in front of the iconic Peace Tower in Ottawa, meditating on the clarity of our minds, experiencing inner peace, and praying for peaceful minds to prevail among decision-makers in our world.
We also prayed for peaceful states of mind to permanently pacify the suffering of everyone in our world and chanted together the mantra of the Buddha of compassion, Avalokiteshvara: OM MANI PAME HUM. It was no ordinary day - everyone was very moved. Somehow, it felt that permanent world peace is actually possible. Some thanked us emotionally for holding the event, and we all felt we had participated in something very important that will bring true benefit to our world.
Mothers Day at KMC Perth in Australia
KMC Perth hosted its second annual Tea and Peace event over the Australian Mother’s Day weekend where 50 people enjoyed a morning meditation guided by our Resident Teacher Kelsang Tara, followed by a scrumptious high tea.
As you can see from all the smiling faces, we had a joyful, fun morning, with many people connecting with the peaceful, welcoming atmosphere of a Kadampa Centre for the first time.
One of the attendees said: ‘The high tea was amazing, the food was exceptional and the setting and atmosphere was truly wonderful.’
Every now and again there are events that call for a big community effort to help prepare for, run and pack down, and this was definitely one of them! Over 20 volunteers from our precious community helped to bring about this special morning. Thank you to everyone for your kindness!
Mothers Day at Drolma KBC Mexico
On the occasion of Mother's Day, we gathered in a beautiful location to contemplate and meditate on the kindness of all our mothers. We enjoyed a delicious meal and lovely music in great company.
We extend our gratitude to the mothers and their families who attended and to all the individuals who made this event possible. It was a wonderful time!
Thank you, Venerable Geshe-la!
Mothers Day Celebration in South Africa
On May 12, 2024, Vajrapani KBC hosted a Mother’s Day Meditation & High Tea, which received significant support and was thoroughly enjoyable. We reflected on the immense kindness of our mothers and all living beings, and resolved to cultivate our compassionate hearts as the means to attain the happiness and peace we all seek.
“Thank you for a wonderful morning and for the delicious treats. It was the perfect way to begin Mother’s Day. Thank you all so much.”
Community outreach
Gen Mila, the Resident Teacher of Vajrapani KBC was invited to lead a meditation class at an NGO called Friends for Life, whose staff supports local communities by promoting and implementing integrated health, HIV, and AIDS programs. Gen Mila visits two different locations monthly to help reduce negative energy affecting workplace performance and to help to increase positivity and peace.
Gen Mila will continue to visit on a monthly basis to guide meditations and share techniques for processing painful emotions and stress.
