The program for the International Festivals designed by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche is in three stages – empowerment,  commentary and retreat. Yesterday morning, Gen-la Dekyong concluded the second stage with a truly inspiring teaching. Then in the afternoon Gen-la Kelsang Jampa, Deputy Spiritual Director of NKT-IKBU, began the third stage, leading the retreat sessions.

If we could take away only one thing from this Festival, Gen-la’s presentation of Venerable Geshe-la’s ‘play’ about turning towards Tara would be a great choice. It encapsulates the very essence of the Festival, and especially the power of faith in Guru Tara. 

The Temple and grounds yesterday radiated golden light. Inside, the light of the Dharma of Gen-la’s teachings filled our hearts, while outside the light of the sun Illuminated the trees.

As we entered the Temple to receive the empowerment of Mother Tara, Gen-la’s presence on the throne was so reassuring. As she manifestly fulfilled Venerable Geshe-la’s wish of continuing his work, we experienced a feeling of continuity rather than discontinuity. Venerable Geshe-la was there with us!

Bathed in the golden rays of the autumn sun, the stunning foliage at KMC New York afforded a warm welcome to the hundreds of visitors arriving for the 2022 International Fall Festival. People from literally all over the world gathered for this auspicious event, meeting up with old friends and making new ones.