General Spiritual Director
Wisdom and Compassion Across South America
Jun 27, 2026
Sharing Wisdom:
Events with Visiting Teachers
Kadampa centers in Liverpool, Athens, Madrid, Albacete, and Tara IKRC hosted a variety of inspiring events. Through public talks, retreats, and day courses, practitioners gathered together, reflecting the dedication of the local Sangha and the visiting Teachers who shared these precious teachings.
Freedom from Anxiety:
Public Talk in Liverpool with Gen-la Kelsang Khyenrab
A special public talk was organized by Kadampa Meditation Centre Liverpool at St George's Hall .
Residents of Liverpool and the surrounding areas had the great good fortune to receive an inspiring talk entitled Freedom from Anxiety: Living the Life We Long for in the Digital Age with Gen-la Kelsang Khyenrab, retired General Spiritual Director and Resident Teacher of Tara International Kadampa Retreat Centre.
Speaking to over 300 people, Gen-la read from and gave a clear commentary on the teachings of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche, drawing from the book The New Eight Steps to Happiness. He explained how “our minds are becoming rougher and more uncontrolled,” and shared practical methods to overcome anxiety and develop inner peace.
There was a warm and joyful atmosphere at the event, and many participants chose to take these teachings home by purchasing the book.
With sincere gratitude, we thank Gen-la Khyenrab and Venerable Geshe-la for this meaningful and inspiring opportunity.
GEN ANANDA, NATIONAL SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR IN GERMANY VISITED KMC MADRID
Participants recently enjoyed a meaningful retreat on The Light of Wisdom in the Heart, focusing on meditation on emptiness.
Through teachings, guided contemplations, and meditation, they explored how the wisdom realizing emptiness can be integrated into daily life, helping transform appearances into the path.
Based on Chapter 9 of Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life and its commentary Meaningful to Behold by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche, the retreat offered clear and practical insights.
It was a deeply inspiring experience, bringing together all the conditions for spiritual growth and leaving participants with a stronger connection to wisdom and inner peace.
Inspiring Weekend in Athens WITH GEN ANANDA
During a joyful and inspiring weekend in Athens earlier this month, many people gathered to receive profound teachings from visiting Teacher Gen Kelsang Ananda.
The Friday evening talk was full, with a warm and attentive audience eager to explore how concentration is key to successful meditation and inner transformation. Over the one-and-a-half-day retreat, Gen Ananda guided meditations on developing single-pointed concentration, helping participants experience increasingly calm, relaxed, and serviceable states of mind, as well as greater protection from distractions and negative mental habits.
Using Buddha Shakyamuni as the object of meditation, practitioners were able to deepen their connection with Buddha through their own experience. The weekend was beautifully complemented by an uplifting puja on Saturday evening, leaving everyone feeling inspired to continue strengthening their practice in daily life.
A Precious Visit of Gen Kelsang Rigden to albacete
At KMC Albacete we welcomed Gen Kelsang Rigden, Resident Teacher of the Kadampa Temple for World Peace in Sintra, Portugal.
With kindness and compassion, Gen Rigden gave teachings on What Life Teaches Us About Death, helping participants understand the meaning of death according to Buddha’s teachings, as presented by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche, especially in the book Living Meaningfully, Dying Joyfully.
Through these teachings and guided meditations, participants reflected on the true value of their precious human life and the importance of preparing for a peaceful death — both for their own well-being and for the benefit of others.
SPECIAL RETREAT AT TARA IKRC WITH GEN CHOKYONG
In the beautiful Meditation Hall of Tara International Kadampa Retreat Centre, people from across the country gathered to take part in a retreat exploring a subject that is often avoided — our own mortality.
Over several days, participants engaged deeply in meditation on death, receiving teachings and repeatedly focusing on this one meditation to create a strong and lasting impression on the mind.
Through the powerful and gentle guidance of Gen Kelsang Chokyong, based on his deep experience of Lamrim, retreaters were led to increasingly profound levels of contemplation and insight.
The result of meditating on death was not fear, but a deep sense of joy and energy to live life in the most meaningful way.
