General Spiritual Director
Post Spring Festival retreats in Spain
Jun 6, 2026
Public Talk with
Gen-la Dekyong
at the Mother Center
UNDERSTANDING THE MIND - THE SECRET TO A HAPPY LIFE
On Sunday, nearly 300 people gathered at Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre for a wonderfully inspiring Public Talk with Gen-la Kelsang Dekyong.
Gen-la Dekyong began by reminding us how profoundly life-changing Buddha’s teachings can be when we sincerely apply them in our daily lives. She encouraged us to approach these teachings as a kind of inner scientific experiment—observing how transforming our mind directly affects our experience of the world, bringing benefit not only to ourselves but also to our families and the wider community.
A glimpse of this inspiring Public Talk
What deeply touched many people was the precise explanation of the various mental factors (parts of the mind), and how to learn to distinguish helpful minds from harmful ones. Gen-la showed how understanding which mental states support harmonious relationships and positive behavior—and which lead to suffering—empowers us to make wiser choices. She also emphasized the immense benefits of cultivating love, compassion, patience, and profound wisdom.
The main focus of the teaching was the mind. Gen-la explained what the mind is and how it functions to understand and experience the world. Drawing from How to Understand the Mind by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, she offered precise and practical definitions—many of which were entirely new to participants.
Meet & Greet of the Public Talk
At the conclusion of the Public Talk...
At the conclusion of the Public Talk, participants enjoyed the opportunity to share lunch together and continue reflecting on the teachings. Many delighted in the warmth of the café, strolled along the peaceful woodland paths, and, of course, visited the Tharpa Bookshop to take home these precious instructions and further deepen their practice.
The atmosphere throughout the day was filled with inspiration and gratitude. Many people left with much to reflect on, having enjoyed an uplifting and hope-filled day grounded in Buddha’s teachings.
