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 6 ~ Deepening Wisdom Through Retreat Practice
Dorje Shugden is a wisdom Buddha and Kadampa Buddhism in general is a wisdom lineage. During the Festival we have so many opportunities to train in the three kinds of wisdom. We have spent many days enjoying the wisdom of listening to Dharma teachings with Gen-la Dekyong. We train in the wisdom of contemplating through private reflection and discussing the teachings and our insights with friends. Now for the final day and a half we are developing our wisdom of meditation through many sessions of retreat with Gen Demo.
Meditating Under the Dharma Wheel
It is extremely powerful and inspiring meditating under the Dharma wheel in the Temple, in front of the blessed shrine that was prepared under Venerable Geshe-la’s direct guidance and surrounded by our Kadampa Sangha all sincerely focusing their mind on Dharma. Gen Demo guides us very precisely to clear meditation objects that we hold in our heart to deepen our connection and our reliance on Dorje Shugden. Each session includes all the prayers of our Heart Jewel practice, so there is ample time to invigorate our practice here at the Festival before returning home. She reminds us of particular verses from Heart Jewel, or instructions from Venerable Geshe-la that we contemplate in meditation, giving us time to concentrate on our conclusions.
The Retreat Atmosphere
Gen Demo also gives practical advice at the end of each session that helps us greatly to maintain our retreat experience in the meditation breaks. Between sessions there is a peaceful retreat atmosphere. People sit quietly in amongst the beautiful aspen trees with their rustling leaves and read Dharma or quietly speak with others. There is a gentle, loving atmosphere, a large family of practitioners unified through collective practice and intentions.
The True Meaning of Wisdom
Wisdom is knowing the truth, knowing what to do and what not to do, and understanding profound and meaningful objects. We could say that our wisdom is what brought us to Dharma, our wisdom caused us to register for the Festival, our wisdom keeps us focused on the teachings and not distracted by meaningless things while we are here, our wisdom makes us want to benefit others. Finally, the conclusion we leave the Festival with is that continuing to deepen our wisdom, through relying on the truth of Dharma, is the only path that leads out of suffering, and therefore the true meaning of life.
Retreat with Gen Demo
