General Spiritual Director
Australian Festival 2025
Jan 10, 2025
Festive Events in the US, UK, Mexico and France
Part 2 of our festive season celebrations takes us to Kadampa centers in Mexico, the UK, the US, and France. Communities gathered to express gratitude for the past year and welcome the new one with a variety of different events. In Mexico, there were prayers and meals, while the UK enjoyed quiz games and festive fun. In the US, one center celebrated with caroling and a meal, and in France, meditation and a shared meal created a joyful atmosphere, highlighting the unity and joy of the Kadampa family.
KMC Guadalajara in Mexico
We began the day with Wishfulfilling Jewel prayers, followed by a meditation class led by our Resident Teacher, Gen Kelsang Shima, at noon. Later, we performed Liberation from Sorrow prayers. The day concluded with joyful moments shared with our community.
Sukhavati KBC in Mexico
The end-of-year Posada at Sukhavati KBC was a heartwarming celebration filled with camaraderie, laughter, shared stories, hugs, cherished memories, plans for the future, thoughtful gifts and the warmth of spiritual friendship. Everyone contributed to a delicious surprise meal, enhancing the joy of appreciating our Center, our Sangha, and the precious Kadam Dharma.
KMC Odiyana in the UK
Each year, we hold a Christmas course offering practical advice for navigating the festive season. Traditionally called How to Survive the Festive Season, this year’s focus shifted to managing worry, a common challenge during the festive time. Senior student, George Vukovic, guided the course with practical insights from Buddha’s teachings.
We then offered people the chance to stay for a delicious three-course Thai meal and discuss and digest the teachings. The day was a huge success. Unlike the storm outside people were calm and relaxed, deeply benefitting from the practical presentation of Buddha teachings.
Atisha KMC in the UK
We had a wonderful time at our Atisha KMC Christmas Party! The evening began with drinks on arrival, followed by a relaxing meditation led by Gen Chogma, setting a peaceful tone for the night. After enjoying a delicious bring-and-share buffet, we split into teams for a closely contested quiz, with just one point separating the winners! Everyone had such a lovely evening - thank you to everyone who came along for making it so enjoyable.
KMC Arizona in the US
After Wishfulfilling Jewel prayers, 30 Kadampas in Tucson, Arizona gathered for our annual Holiday Party, enjoying a festive gift exchange, a delicious spread of food, joyful Karma caroling, and warm community spirit that filled the evening with laughter and gratitude.
KMC Metz in France
On December 8, we enjoyed a warm and festive Christmas Tea after a beautiful day of teachings called Overcoming Resentment: Learning to Forgive with Gen Kelsang Konchog, our beloved Resident Teacher. The event provided a wonderful opportunity for meaningful reflections, heartfelt conversations, and strengthening our spiritual community bonds.
