General Spiritual Director
January at Manjushri KMC
Jan 15, 2025
January at Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Center
During January, there is a unique sense of peace at Manjushri KMC, with many retreats and other activities taking place.
This year, the principal retreat in the Temple is Discover the Union of Sutra and Tantra — a very special presentation of the essential Lamrim meditations, as shared with us by Venerable Geshe-la in his book 'The Mirror of Dharma with Additions'. The retreat is guided by Gen Kelsang Tonglam, the National Spiritual Director for Hong Kong, Taiwan and the Philippines and the Resident Teacher of KMC Hong Kong.
Inside the Temple, the atmosphere is deeply blessed, and a profound sense of peace and stillness pervades as soon as you step inside. This immediately helps settle the mind, offering a sanctuary of calm amidst the busyness of the world.
Each week of the retreat, we focus on one of the fifteen stages of meditation, from Meditation on the Preciousness of Our Human Life to Meditation on Relying on Our Spiritual Guide, following Geshe-la’s profound guidance on the purpose, object, and practice of each meditation.
Outer and inner stillness
Outside, the winter stillness creates an atmosphere where the world seems suspended, untouched by urgency. There’s a spaciousness that invites reflection, rest, and the gathering of strength. Winter has a way of making us feel both quiet and expansive at once — a truly magical quality.
Meanwhile, in two smaller meditation rooms, fortunate disciples are engaged in close retreats focused on Heruka and Vajrayogini. They are immersing themselves in the pure appearances of Keajra and drawing ever closer to the attainment of these enlightened Deities.
In the North Wing meditation room, Prayers for World Peace are held every week, so that on Sundays, all four meditation rooms are in use, each dedicated to its own sacred practice.
