General Spiritual Director
Spring Festival 2025 Day 6
May 29, 2025
Bonus Bulletin
13 MAY
Read about some other recent activities organized by Kadampa centers around the world.
THE JOY OF CLARITY: A BLISSFUL EASTER RETREAT WITH KADAM MORTEN
Over 200 joyful Kadampas enjoyed an inspiring Easter weekend course with Kadam Morten on The Bliss of Concentration at Manjushri KMC.
We focused on experiencing the joy of clarity through meditation, starting with heartfelt connection to our Guru and fully relaxing into the practice. The key was to carry that joy into daily life.
We also explored obstacles to tranquil abiding—especially laziness—and learned to overcome them with faith, aspiration, and joyful effort.
Kadam Morten encouraged us to set aside a little time each day to deeply enjoy these meditations, gradually building stronger concentration and enriching our Lamrim and Lojong practice.
By the end, we all felt blissful, peaceful, and deeply uplifted.
evening of meditation & connection in São José
An inspiring evening of meditation, connection, and shared joy brought together 41 people at the Kadampa Meditation Center Heruka. Guided by Buddhist monk Kelsang Lodro, the night began with a meditation on kindness and interdependence, setting the tone for heartfelt conversations and a nourishing meal that fed both body and mind.
Jangchub Ling KBC Away Retreat at Nagarjuna KMC
Our Resident Teacher, Gen Kelsang Khechog, guided the retreat, leading us through some of the inspiring teachings and meditations of our Spiritual Guide, Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. Gen Khechog began by encouraging us to use this time to emphasise our inner life, so we could discover for ourselves the simple truth: that finding happiness from within enriches every aspect of our lives.
Gen Khechog explained that when we find harmony within our own minds—whether we’re in the presence of others or not—we naturally feel connected to others, because our interconnection is an inescapable truth of who we are.
This was followed by teachings and contemplations from Cherishing Others in the book The New Eight Steps to Happiness. Gen Khechog encouraged us to reflect on the kindness of those who created the conditions for our retreat, and to develop a sense of expanding awareness—that we do not exist in isolation, and everything we benefit from arises through the kindness of others.
We thoroughly enjoyed our retreat at the beautiful Nagarjuna KMC, Thornby Hall, and returned to our daily lives with a renewed determination to stay mindful of our deep connection with others, holding this truth in our hearts.
40th Birthday Celebrations in Preston, England
It was a wonderful night in Preston, celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Charity. Vajravarahi Mahayana Buddhist Centre was established in 1985 and was one of the first centres created by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche. He visited many times to offer teachings, including granting an Avalokiteshvara Empowerment in the early 1990s. The centre is now called Vajravarahi Kadampa Meditation Centre and is located in its third building, near the city centre and local parks.
BEFORE
THIS YEAR
The evening featured a lovely talk and relaxing guided meditation from guest teacher Gen Tilopa, followed by a special birthday cake and a delicious buffet.
We are deeply grateful to Venerable Geshe-la, whose vision, guidance, and inspiration helped establish the first centre in Deepdale, North Preston, many years ago. His ongoing support has led us to the wonderful building, study programs, and Resident Teacher we enjoy today.
Here's to another 40 years!
A Day of Deep Peace and Insight at Autrey Mill (georgia)
Last Saturday, a sold-out gathering of 70 people came together at the serene Autrey Mill Nature Center for a special day-long Clarity of Mind retreat. Participants engaged in practices of silence, contemplation, and guided meditations on the nature of the mind, learning valuable techniques to integrate into their daily lives.
The retreat was led by a special guest teacher, Gen Kelsang Gomlam, the Resident Teacher of KMC Florida. Attendees also had the opportunity to embrace the tranquility of the surroundings with a mindful nature walk during breaks. A highlight of the day was the community lunch, which fostered connection and shared experience among participants.
The retreat proved to be a welcoming space for both new and experienced meditators. Many beginners shared that they felt inspired and gained practical tools for cultivating inner peace. The final session offered a valuable opportunity for questions and answers, leaving attendees with a deeper understanding and a renewed sense of calm.
Kadam Dharma at the University of Victoria!
In 2025, KMC Victoria will reach an impressive milestone: we will be celebrating 18 years of teaching at the University of Victoria (UVic) and have delivered more than 80 courses on Kadampa Buddhism!
Our resident teacher, Gen Zopa, teaches through the Continuing Studies Department, where students learn about the Buddhist way of life. Since 2007, over 1,800 students have studied with Gen Zopa on subjects such as the nature and function of the mind, freedom from attachment and anger, death and rebirth, karma, renunciation, learning to cherish others, and emptiness.
The courses are open to everyone and consist of four 2-hour classes held on consecutive Saturday mornings. Many students continue their studies at KMC Victoria after attending Gen Zopa’s classes at UVic. We look forward to continuing this positive relationship with UVic and to offering our next 80 courses!
