The final day of teachings focused on many important things and completed the transmission of the sublime practice of the Uncommon Yoga of Inconceivability. Included within this beautiful, transcendent practice are so many practical teachings.
The Pure Land of Vajrayogini is not so far away! At Festival and in our daily practice we are training in special methods to purify our mind so that we have purer experiences.
It’s the second day of teachings with Gen-la Jampa, who guides us on a journey through Venerable Geshe-la’s teachings on The Blissful Path, helping us to appreciate the deep meaning of self-generation practice and why it is so effective.
The joy of Festival has many faces. There is a joy that comes from mixing our minds with Dharma teachings and feeling peaceful; the joy of feeling safe and accepted, surrounded by people all trying to practice the teachings with a good intention; the joy of working together and cherishing others.
For those attending both weeks of the festival it is the free day. A day to pause, to rest, to do laundry, to visit the charming local town of Ulverston for afternoon tea or to take a hike up the Hoad or a mountain peak.
It is extraordinary that in these modern times we are still able to practice the original meaning of the perfection of wisdom exactly as Buddha explained. For us as Kadampas this is due solely to the kindness of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche.
After a feast of teachings in week one of the Summer Festival, we now have two days of retreat with Gen Rabten to deepen our wisdom in meditation. Following Gen-la Dekyong’s advice, the retreat focuses on going deeply by using the same sequence of meditations in each session.
Another extraordinary day of teachings with Gen-la Dekyong focusing on a deeper explanation of four lines at the heart of the Heart Sutra.
Gen-la uses beautiful examples and analogies that came from our Guru’s heart and that have the power to help us understand these profound topics.
In this morning’s teaching we received a transmission of the Heart Sutra, being transported back not only ten years to Portugal in the presence of our Spiritual Guide, but in fact going back further to the time of Buddha when the original Sutra was delivered.
Day 3 of the Festival dawns and by now everyone is beginning to settle into Festival life. Enjoying a change of pace, letting go of ordinary life, falling in to a delightful rhythm of meditation, attending teachings, volunteering, meal times and evening puja.
General Spiritual Director
