General Spiritual Director
Creating opportunities to meet Dharma
Jun 22, 2026
US NATIONAL FESTIVAL
Over 400 Kadampas gathered at Kadampa Meditation Center New York for the US National Festival with Gen-la Khyenrab, receiving the Prajnaparamita empowerment, oral transmission of the Essence of Wisdom Sutra, and practical guidance on integrating wisdom and compassion into daily life.
When Gen Kelsang Gomlam gave the Friday evening introduction to the Festival, she invited attendees to reflect on their wishes and encouraged them to follow Venerable Geshe-la's advice to develop wishes that can actually be fulfilled — wishes motivated by wisdom. She reminded those present that they are closer than they think to becoming enlightened, and encouraged everyone to keep this in mind throughout the empowerment.
On Saturday, Gen-la Kelsang Khyenrab granted the blessing empowerment of Prajnaparamita and gave an oral transmission of the Essence of Wisdom Sutra. He encouraged attendees not to be discouraged if there were parts of the Dharma they did not yet understand; after all, the first time he received the transmission, it was entirely in Tibetan. Even without yet comprehending the true meaning, practitioners are still receiving powerful blessings in their mental continuum. Gen-la also gave commentary to the Yoga of the Great Mother Prajnaparamita.
Kadam Rebecca Gauthier led the morning Festival meditations, and Kadam Kyle Davis led the Festival retreat. Both taught how to practically integrate the practice of Prajnaparamita into daily life, so that attendees can truly change and bring increased wisdom and compassion with them when they return home to their communities.
While the day of the empowerment was rainy, the weather ultimately cleared, and between sessions participants were able to enjoy the grounds and scenic nature trails of KMC New York. As with many Kadampa events, it was nearly impossible to go anywhere on the property without being aware of the kindness of others. The entire Festival was made possible by the help of volunteers, many of whom had been making preparations long before the first guest arrived. Whether preparing and serving food, stewarding, directing traffic, cleaning, or any of the other myriad tasks that make a Festival possible, everywhere one looked, someone was helping to make Geshe-la's vision a reality.
Those in attendance are deeply grateful to their Spiritual Guide, Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche, for this opportunity to gather together to receive profound Dharma teachings, Buddha's blessings, and the support of the spiritual community.
