General Spiritual Director
Fall Festival 2024 ~ Day 1
Oct 25, 2024
US FESTIVAL 2024 ~ THE FIRST TIME at THE IKRC GRAND CANYON
The US Festival this year took place for the first time ever at the International Kadampa Retreat Center Grand Canyon in Arizona. Festival-goers gathered from close to fifty centers from around the country to enjoy teachings from Gen-la Kelsang Jampa, the Deputy Spiritual Director of the NKT and Resident Teacher at IKRC Grand Canyon.
In the beautiful setting of the Arizona Kadampa Temple for World Peace in Kaibab National Forest, not far from the Grand Canyon, hundreds of people received the empowerment of Vajrapani, the Buddha of Spiritual Power and enjoyed profound and practical teachings on the five forces.
The empowerment of Vajrapani, the Buddha of Spiritual Power
US Resident Teachers from around the country provided further inspiration and guidance including Gen Demo from KMC Washington DC who gave the introductory talk, Kadam Michelle Gauthier from KMC Tampa Bay in Florida who guided the morning meditations, and Gen Samten from KMC New York who guided the retreat.
Empowerment and teachings from Gen-la Kelsang Jampa
Gen Samten guided the retreat
During the breaks, the Festival experience afforded opportunities to catch up with old friends, forge new friendships, enjoy cafes, browse a well-stocked gift shop and bookstore and contemplate the teachings while walking along pine-tree and wild flower-lined paths of the forest.
The IKRC Grand Canyon was a perfect setting this Fall for hosting a Kadampa Festival. We look forward to inviting our international Kadampa community to this extraordinary Temple for next year’s NKT Fall Festival 2025.
Beautiful setting and immeasurable inspiration
