We concluded the Lamrim teachings today with two clear, essential and profound teachings on the third principal aspect of the path, training in the correct view of emptiness.
Another glorious day at the Festival, with sublime teachings from Gen-la Khyenrab on how to develop love, compassion and the precious mind of Bodhichitta. Gen-la encouraged us to really train our mind, in his words to engage in ‘repetitive virtuous thinking’, to never give up or give in to discouragement but always to keep our intention to develop these beneficial minds.
Today is the first full day of festival, with opportunities from morning to night to enjoy holy Dharma. Starting with clear and peaceful morning meditations with Gen Demo, then two sessions of sublime Lamrim teachings from Gen-la Khyenrab and ending joyfully with prayers to our Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden.
Today we welcome thousands of Kadampa practitioners from around the world to the International Kadampa Summer Festival
What a truly wonderful festival it has been. There was something magical and profound about how Gen-la Dekyong’s teachings gradually built refuge in our minds. The refuge vows ceremony marked the pinnacle of the festival, providing an opportunity to express and refine the special dedications and promises arising in our hearts.
Retreat days at the festival are very special. Having received so many teachings, and following the extraordinarily blessed refuge ceremony, it is now time to quiet the mind, delve deep within, and consolidate our experiences through meditation.
Gen-la helped us understand the real meaning of the Refuge Ceremony by giving the transmission of an explanation by Venerable Geshe-la. Just being at festival we are inside refuge. Listening to teachings, meditating and placing ourself inside our Guru’s vision for flourishing Kadam Dharma. It was so inspiring to be part of a worldwide sangha dedicated to ending suffering and bringing about world peace.
Today after an explanation of how our Spiritual Guide is in essence deathless and his mind always with us, we received an unexpected surprise of hearing Venerable Geshe-la’s voice resound in the temple giving us the blessing transmission of Liberating Prayer.
Gen-la’s teachings on Saturday began a sublime commentary to Liberating Prayer, one of our uncommon Kadampa prayers appearing from the heart of our Root Guru. She explained how there are many levels to this prayer.
The temple is full of joyful chatter, then the quiet lull that comes before Gen-la Dekyong enters and the prayers begin, bringing us all together. At the front of the temple is a special shrine with a powerful, meditative Buddha Shakyamuni presiding over the festival.
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