General Spiritual Director
Conishead Priory Grounds & Paths
Jun 5, 2026
French National
Festival 2026
On the first weekend in April, both new and existing practitioners from across France gathered at the KMC France for the empowerment of the wisdom Buddha Manjushri as well as practical teachings from Gen-la Sangden, Deputy Spiritual Director of the New Kadampa Tradition.
Empowerment of Buddha Manjushri
Arrivals & Introduction
It's Friday afternoon, people are arriving from all over France — we're reuniting, hugging each other, catching up, welcoming newcomers, putting the finishing touches to our preparations, or, for those coming for the very first time, discovering and getting to know this magical place. We are especially delighted to meet the Festival's Teacher, Gen-la Sangden, Deputy Spiritual Director of the New Kadampa Tradition, who has worked hard to be able to teach in French and whose joy is so wonderfully contagious!
The blessings of the Buddha of Wisdom, a good meal with friends, and evening prayers together
On the second day, everyone is well settled in — whether in a private room, a dormitory, offsite, or even camping! We have a guided meditation in the morning with Gen Tonpa, Teacher at KMC Paris, then, towards the end of the morning, the empowerment of the Buddha of Wisdom, Manjushri — a Buddhist ritual that is both simple and profound, and accessible to all. At midday, the weather feels like spring and everyone enjoys a light and happy afternoon. We close the day with Wishfulfilling Jewel prayers, our heart practice.
Teachings with Gen-la Sangden and retreat with Gen Eupamé
Energized from the day before, conversations and connections continue. Everyone joins in to support the running of the Festival, and we are nourished by the precious and very practical teachings of Gen-la Sangden. She explores, for example, how mental factor attention sustains our insights after meditation has finished, and protects our mind from its habitual negativities.
The Festival concludes with 2 days of retreat with our National Spiritual Director, Gen Kelsang Eupamé.
