Healing Blessings
at the Southern Germany Dharma Celebration in Karlsruhe, 2026
Medicine Buddha Empowerment
A Very Special Weekend in Southern Germany
Over the weekend of 11–13 September, just under 150 people gathered at the Anne Frank House in Karlsruhe and online for the Southern Germany Dharma Celebration. Blessed with glorious late-summer weather and a venue full of warmth and charm, participants received Medicine Buddha empowerment from Gen Kelsang Ananda, National Spiritual Director of the New Kadampa Tradition in Germany. He also gave three inspiring teachings, offering valuable guidance for their personal practice.
At the very start - which also marked the 25th anniversary of 9/11 - Gen Ananda spoke to the profound changes and uncertainties so many people are feeling today. He showed vividly how the root of all dangers and problems lies in our self-cherishing, and encouraged everyone to seek true refuge in Medicine Buddha.
During the transmission of the Medicine Buddha Sadhana, he placed special emphasis on the need for sincere refuge and on the correct way to rely on a Spiritual Guide. The meditations were led by Gen Kelsang Gogden, Resident Teacher at the Kadampa Meditation Center in Karlsruhe(opens in new tab).
On Saturday evening, after the tsog puja, those who still had energy for more wonderful experiences headed to the nearby palace grounds to enjoy the spectacular "Schlosslichtspiele" light show - and to see for themselves just how deceptive appearances can be.
Brief though it was, the Southern Germany Dharma Celebration was a deeply blessed, peaceful, and joyful occasion, full of warm encounters and meaningful conversation - a boost of blessings for the weeks ahead. Thank you to all the volunteers who came together to set up the venue and prepare the event, to those who participated, and thank you so much, Venerable Geshe-la!
