General Spiritual Director
Day 8 ~ Heruka Preparations
Aug 1, 2026
In his Sutra teachings Buddha gives us great encouragement to accomplish the ultimate goal of human life. This goal will be accomplished quickly through the practice of Tantra.
A Compassionate wish
The two Bodhichittas
Fulfilling our own and others' wishes
Morning Meditations
The day begins with two meditations guided by Gen Eupame which skilfully bring together all the essential meditations from Week 1.
For those newly arriving they can quickly generate all the Sutra minds that are the foundation for Tantra: refuge, renunciation, bodhichitta and the correct view of emptiness. Those who recently completed Week 1 have the opportunity to reconnect in a powerful way with the minds they generated at that time.
The meditations are the perfect introduction to the next stage of this wonderful Festival, leaving everyone with a heartfelt longing for empowerment.
Through attaining Enlightenment
We can Fulfill our Own and Others' wishes
Heruka Empowerment preparations
Magical moments
In the afternoon everyone files into the temple, not a seat spare, as people fill the marquis extensions and even an overflow video link. The Heruka Shrine looks radiant and the offerings at the front are bountiful and extensive. Then there is the magical moment when 3,350 people become quiet and still together and we begin the Heruka empowerment preparations. Gen-la Jampa gives clear instructions in the essential stages, shares encouragement and powerfully guides us through the ten stages of preparation and meditation.
At the end, we receive blessed ritual items, including a cord to bind around our arms, symbolising that we should bind our minds with love until the actual empowerment in the morning, and kusha grass to help us have clear dreams.
Everyone is very happy and once again the festival site is abuzz with kind and happy Kadampas.
A Magical appearance
The Heruka Shrine looks radiant
