2020 Summer Festival

Through the inconceivable kindness of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche, today we have the great good fortune to begin the second week of the 2020 Summer Festival. The day begins with two meditations guided by Gen Rabten at Manjushri KMC. Then this afternoon, at 16.00 UK time, we will receive the empowerment of Buddha Green Tara from Gen-la Kelsang Jampa at IKRC Grand Canyon in Arizona. How wonderful!

Today, this amazing week comes to an end and tomorrow the teachings move to IKRC Grand Canyon in the United States where Gen-la Kelsang Jampa the Deputy Spiritual Director of the New Kadampa Tradition will grant the empowerment of Buddha Tara and teachings on Advice from Atisha’s Heart.

During the last few days of teaching we enjoyed five powerful sessions of meditation with Gen Rabten. Yesterday, to conclude the first week of the Festival, we began three days of retreat with Gen Losang to take the teachings to heart and mix our mind with the sublime practice of the Yoga of Buddha Amitayus.

Gen-la Dekyong gave a powerful explanation of identifying and overcoming the self-cherishing mind. Our self-cherishing abides at our heart. It is the mind that thinks, ‘I am important’ while neglecting others. In truth,  this mind is ignorance and an object of ridicule.

Today, more nectar-like teachings from The New Eight Steps to Happiness from Gen-la Kelsang Dekyong. As today’s feature video shows, these precious books are the link between our heart and the venerable Guru’s heart.

What is the real meaning of our human life? It is to realise our very subtle mind. Then we will become a Buddha in this one life. Whether modern technology helps or harms depends on whether we have a good heart or not, but Tantric technology fulfils our deepest wishes.

Our main obstacles to enlightenment are ignorance and death. These can be overcome by practicing the instructions of Buddha Amitayus, which are now reaching every country and every nationality — something that has never happened before!

“There are so many firsts in this Festival, and there is so much we will receive. This is the most accessible Festival we have ever had.” With these words Gen Rabten introduced the Summer Festival 2020, whetting our appetite with a menu of delights that lie ahead over the next two weeks. Today is a special day.

Through the great kindness of our Founder, Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche, over 5,000 people from every corner of the globe will tune in Friday to take part in the  2020 International Summer Festival Online. As with all Kadampa events, everyone is welcome regardless of age, nationality or culture.