Canadian Dharma Celebrations 2024 ~ Part 1
Nov 26, 2024
26 November 2024
Three Dharma Celebrations recently took place across the vast space of Canada. Gen-la Jampa, the National Spiritual Director for Canada, began his journey of granting the blessing empowerment of Buddha Shakyamuni at three Celebrations: one in Western Canada, one in Quebec, and one in Ontario. In this post discover the first of these Celebrations - in Vancouver.
His first stop was Vancouver, where he gave a public talk, Is Peace Possible?, to a packed house at KMC Vancouver. Many participants were hearing Dharma for the first time, and the joy and inner peace we all generated together were palpable. Gen-la explained that in an increasingly hectic and uncertain world, our happiness is fleeting, and stress and anxiety are common. We may wonder, "Is peace possible?" Gen-la shared that it definitely is - but first, we must establish it within our own mind. He explained that the real source of happiness is inner peace, which we can cultivate through meditation. And it is through inner peace that external peace will arise.
The talk was followed by the Western Canada Dharma Celebration, where Gen-la gave inspiring and encouraging teachings on faith in the Three Jewels, particularly in Buddha Shakyamuni, who is inseparable from our Spiritual Guide. The teachings were beautiful, powerful, and meaningful. Gen-la explained how every moment offers an opportunity to develop a faithful mind, which opposes our deluded states of mind. He also showed us how to deepen our faith by understanding the meaning of the Liberating Prayer, concentrating on the pre-eminent qualities of Buddha without distraction. From this, faith naturally arises. He encouraged us to maintain this feeling of faith throughout the day and, eventually, our lives.
Thank you, Gen-la Jampa, from the Western Canada Sangha, for your kindness, wisdom, and dedication to helping Kadam Dharma flourish across Canada.