Dorje Shugden is a wisdom Buddha and Kadampa Buddhism in general is a wisdom lineage. During the Festival we have so many opportunities to train in the three kinds of wisdom. We have spent many days enjoying the wisdom of listening to Dharma teachings with Gen-la Dekyong. We train in the wisdom of contemplating through private reflection and discussing the teachings and our insights with friends. Now for the final day and a half we are developing our wisdom of meditation through many sessions of retreat with Gen Demo.
On the final day of teachings, everyone’s minds are very blessed, very touched and our dedication to wishing to serve others deepens. We deeply, deeply appreciate Gen-la Dekyong’s clear, heartfelt teachings and her pure example as our General Spiritual Director, carrying such a great responsibility perfectly for 16 years with such joy and devotion. May our tradition continue to have many such pure examples in the future.
There is so much to appreciate and enjoy at the International Kadampa Retreat Center Grand Canyon. It is set in such a beautiful natural location, and people enjoy walking amongst the trees, with the squirrels, chipmunks and birds. The appearance of the mountains on the horizon change with the time of day, as does the weather — from cold, clear and crisp in the mornings, to hazy in the warm afternoons. From radiant sunsets to luminous moonscapes, the views are impressive and ever changing.
One of the many beautiful things about international Festivals is that everywhere you look you see faith and devotion in action. People make offerings, meditate, read and discuss Dharma between sessions as well as working with joy and enthusiasm to enable the Festival to run.
Dorje Shugden is an enlightened Deity, a Wisdom Dharma Protector. Venerable Geshe-la teaches us that Dorje Shugden is our Kadampa Buddhist Dharma Protector for modern times, and he is the synthesis of our Guru, Je Tsongkhapa; our Yidam or personal Tantric Deity, Heruka; and our Dharma Protector.
International Kadampa Fall Festivals are held at different venues each year; this year we are returning to the International Kadampa Retreat Center near the Grand Canyon in Arizona. For the first time since it opened in 2019 there is a huge international gathering taking place and now, after months of preparations, it is the first day of the Festival.
The conclusion of the 2025 Summer Festival offers us an opportunity to reflect on this truly inspiring event.
A chance to revisit the engaging videos created during the Summer Festival. Enjoy!
Summer Festival 2025 has been very powerful and special. Now, as we near its completion, it is ending so strongly. Following the collective effort of attending the six sessions of the Tara retreat, on the final morning everyone is happy and grateful to gather again in the Temple to make a beautiful thanking offering to our precious Spiritual Guide and Founder, Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche.
Although our Festival is nearing completion, due to the 24 hour Tara practice we are literally meditating and dedicating throughout the day and the night.
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Practitioners in Brazil, Chile, and the United States came together to receive precious empowerments and teachings — connecting with the blessings of Buddha Shakyamuni, the Great Mother Prajnaparamita, and Buddha Maitreya, and bringing their wisdom into daily life.
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