General Spiritual Director
Work Day with Resident Teachers preparing for International Summer Festival
Jul 21, 2026
SPECIAL EVENTS ON INTERNATIONAL TEMPLES DAY
On International Temples Day, some centers organized special activities to remember the vision and purpose of Venerable Geshe-la. Here are some highlights from Amsterdam, Rio, Florida and Maryland.
A Joyous Empowerment and Blessings in the Heart of Amsterdam
A very blessed time was enjoyed this weekend at KMC Netherlands in their new space located in the heart of Amsterdam. The community gathered to receive the blessing empowerment of Buddha Shakyamuni granted by Kelsang Gyalpo, with Adrienne Weiss leading the meditation session. Over 25 people participated in this special gathering.
Following the empowerment, participants enjoyed a full day of retreat focused on Essence of Good Fortune sadhana.
A very beautiful and joyous weekend was had by all, giving fresh energy and blessings to the newly acquired space. This was the first empowerment in over 8 years for KMC Netherlands. How truly wonderful.
Gen Samten visits KMC Maryland in Baltimore over International Temples Day weekend
The Emptiness of the Eight Extremes was the topic of our weekend of teachings and retreat, Nov 1-2, with Guest Teacher Gen Samten Kelsang.
Eighty people from around the Mid-Atlantic US gathered for 6 sessions focused on the wisdom realizing emptiness and impermanence through exploring the eight extremes: production and disintegration, coming and going, permanent phenomena and impermanent phenomena, and singularity and plurality. We learned more about how to relate to our lives and the world around us more lightly, as mere conception and mere name.
During a retreat break, we gathered to watch the International Temples Day video together and learned about developments in the International Kadampa community.
Walking for Peace: Joy and Blessings on International Temples Day
On Saturday, KMC Florida enjoyed a joyful and inspiring Walk for World Peace, coinciding with NKT International Temples Day. Over 40 people—and 3 friendly dogs—joined this special event.
The day began with a short, uplifting talk by Gen Gomlam, who encouraged everyone to hold the heartfelt intention, throughout the walk and beyond, that all living beings may be happy and free from suffering.
Together we walked in harmony, sharing smiles, laughter and a deep sense of community. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with others, cultivate inner peace, and bring blessings to the world around us.
KMC RIO enjoys teachings and a WALK TO THE NEW KMC RIO BUILDING
On this special day, KMC Rio was filled with blessings, joy, and inspiration.
The day began with the course Understand Life, Accept Death, and we welcomed many new people interested in this important and rarely discussed topic. We spent the day with a full house, talking, praying together, with longer-term Sangha and dozens of new people having a meaningful time together – it was beautiful and inspiring!
At the end of the course, those who still had energy walked together to the new KMC Rio building. There, the architect presented the final project for the building, and the managers shared the news – and even announced an inauguration date! After that, we prayed together to Protector Dorje Shugden, asking for protection for this project that is now beginning. Finally, we watched together the International Temples Day video provided by the NKT.
Thank you Venerable Geshe-la for filling our days with meaning.
