General Spiritual Director
Work Day with Resident Teachers preparing for International Summer Festival
Jul 21, 2026
International Fall Festival 2025 diaries
At International Kadampa Retreat Center
Grand Canyon
Day 5 ~ The rhythm of festival life
Festival life has a special rhythm. The day begins with meditation. Kadam Morten guides us to a deep connection with Dorje Shugden, and in the practice of transforming adverse conditions into the path.
During the morning break, people relax outside enjoying the warm sun after the cool night, drinking coffee, teas and enjoying other delights such as pumpkin latte, spiced apple juice, brownies and cheesecake. This special time spent with Sangha friends is filled with cherishing love, and a wonderful opportunity to meet practitioners from around the world, to discuss Dharma and to support each other as we transform our life into the spiritual path.
This Festival also sees the launch of a new Kadampa Meditation app; designed to connect beginners and experienced meditators alike with the wisdom teachings, guided meditations, podcasts and books of modern Kadampa Buddhism. Behind the scenes, new podcast interviews are also being filmed each day by an international team of Kadampas.
the magical world Peace Temple at IKRC Grand canyon
Kadampas share their heartfelt and meaningful experiences of the 5th Kadampa Temple for World Peace at International Kadampa Retreat Center Grand Canyon
sublime teachings from the heart
It’s the final day of teachings with Gen-la Dekyong and it is not an exaggeration to say they have been sublime. We deeply contemplate these lines from New Guide to Dakini Land:
"I, the author, have Dorje Shugden as my special Dharma Protector. For me, Dorje Shugden is the great Protector of the Guru's words."
We learn that through relying upon Dorje Shugden we will find Buddha's correct view, Buddha's ultimate intention and the correct path of the unmistaken Dharma of Lamrim, Lojong and Mahamudra Tantra. Gen-la guides us on a beautiful journey through all of the essential meditations revealed in the prayer, Request to the Lord of all Lineages.
my life's very busy. when will I find time to practice dharma?
Gen-la leads us to a deep appreciation of Venerable Geshe-la's kindness in establishing a special presentation of Kadam Dharma for us, the people of the modern world, and helps us to understand that his collected works are our real refuge. 23 books filled with the Dharma Jewels of our Guru's words that are our Ganden Oral Lineage.
She encourages us to follow Geshe-la's example and to keep the heart commitments of Dorje Shugden: cherishing Kadam Dharma, practicing it purely without mixing, teaching it purely without mixing, and taking some responsibility to cause Kadam Dharma to flourish in the world.
Everyone's minds are very blessed, very touched and our dedication to wishing to serve others deepens. We deeply, deeply appreciate Gen-la Dekyong's clear, heartfelt teachings and her pure example as our General Spiritual Director, carrying such a great responsibility perfectly for 16 years with such joy and devotion. May our tradition continue to have many such pure examples in the future.
