Canadian National Festival and Public Talk

CAnadian National Festival and Public Talk

Kadampa practitioners gathered in Montreal for the Canadian National Festival 2026 with Gen-la Kelsang Khyenrab, following a well-attended public talk on inner peace. Participants received the blessing empowerment of Buddha Prajnaparamita and profound teachings on wisdom and compassion, enjoying a deeply inspiring and joyful reunion of the Canadian Sangha.

Public Talk

with Gen-la Kelsang Khyenrab, Retired General Spiritual Director of NKT-IKBU

We were so fortunate to welcome Gen-la Khyenrab to Montreal, Canada, where he gave a public talk on The Science of Peace: A Life Beyond Fear, followed by the Canadian National Festival 2026. The public talk was a great success, with 170 people registered and many thoughtful, heartfelt questions from the audience. Gen-la began with a contemplative meditation, inviting us to reflect on three questions: What is the mind? Where is it located? and what is its nature?

From the very beginning, he guided us to look inward. He emphasized that while everyone is seeking happiness, despite modern technology and material wealth, lasting happiness still eludes us. As long as we continue searching for it outside ourselves, we will be disappointed. The true source of happiness lies within - arising from a peaceful mind.

Canadian National Festival 2026

Following the talk, Gen-la inspired the ordained community during the Sojong ceremony before the Canadian Festival began Friday evening with the introduction. Over 300 people then received the blessing empowerment of Buddha Prajnaparamita, in person or online, along with profound teachings on the four profundities. The Great Mother Prajnaparamita is the embodiment of wisdom, bestowing the realization of the union of great bliss and emptiness. If we attain this realization, we can reach enlightenment in this very life - how extraordinary!

The Canadian Festival itself was a beautiful reunion, bringing together participants from across the vast expanse of Canada. There was something deeply special in the blend of new faces and familiar smiles - hugs, laughter, and the simple joy of reconnecting. Behind the scenes, dedicated volunteers worked tirelessly with open hearts, preparing, organizing, and welcoming everyone, creating an unforgettable five-day experience. The atmosphere was filled with enthusiasm, kindness, and the warmth of the Canadian Sangha.

In his teachings, Gen-la encouraged us to develop the supreme good heart - bodhichitta - reminding us that this must be our essential motivation for engaging in profound teachings and meditations on ultimate truth. We reflected on how all living beings experience suffering due to ignorance. We fail to recognize that our own non-virtuous actions create the causes of suffering.

Yet, there is immense hope. By developing authentic wisdom and universal compassion, we can transform our minds, free ourselves from suffering, and help others do the same. By placing our trust in the Great Mother Prajnaparamita, Wisdom Buddha, we receive special blessings that help us overcome obstacles and cultivate deep spiritual realizations - and these depend upon faith. Faith is essential.

Gen-la also explained the meaning of “inherent existence”, emphasizing that understanding this is indispensable. It is the self-grasping mind - clinging to an inherently existent self, others, and phenomena - that lies at the root of all our suffering and problems. With clarity, depth, and even humor, he showed how things do not exist independently but arise in dependence upon the mind.

These precious teachings left the Canadian Sangha wanting more - and thankfully, this wish was fulfilled through a day-and-a-half retreat with Gen Chodor, our National Spiritual Director, who guided us through meditations on the four profundities. What an incredible privilege it is to have this precious human life and to walk this path together. A truly meaningful experience - one that opened our minds and hearts.

Thank you, Venerable Geshe-la! It is only through your immense kindness that we have this extraordinary opportunity to attain the pure and everlasting happiness of enlightenment.