Purification Retreats Around the World ~ Part 2
Apr 21, 2024
In a sign that things are starting to return to normal, Kadampa centers around the world are organising special events to welcome members of the public to enjoy the center in informal settings such as ‘Food for thought’, ‘Sunday Out’ and ‘Open House’. These occasions give people an opportunity to see round the center, try some meditation and enjoy a specially prepared meal or a visit to the World Peace Café. Here we share some wonderful photos from four recent events at centers in Europe.
Today, Tara Day, as hundreds of Kadampas around the world engage in 24-hour Tara prayers, our thoughts naturally turn to the Fall Festival in two weeks time when Gen-la Dekyong will grant the blessing empowerment of Buddha Tara and teach a rare and precious practice in association with her.
The New Kadampa Tradition – International Kadampa Buddhist Union is developing many Temples and Kadampa Meditation Centers internationally. There is a need for more skilled individuals to help with such projects, therefore the Kadampa Art Studio will be offering a six month Statue Production Training Course to develop a foundation of experience for Kadampas wishing to contribute to these auspicious projects.
After each International Festival, Kadampa centers around the world organise post-Festival retreats providing an opportunity to spend some time improving our understanding of the teachings and taking their meaning to heart.
September 22nd is Buddha’s Return from Heaven Day. We celebrate, among other things, Buddha’s great compassion for all living beings even the tiniest insects, his deep concern for the welfare of his mother even after she died, and his return to our world from the heavenly realm where he visited her.
This weekend sees two more special events taking place – the North east US and Irish Dharma Celebrations, with more regional communities gathering to receive empowerments and teachings from their National Spiritual Director
Two special events happening this weekend. Still time to book for both.
Starting September 12 there is an opportunity to study Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche’s precious book The Mirror of Dharma on the Special Teacher Training Program (STTP) with Gen-la Dekyong, who received the transmission of this book directly from Venerable Geshe-la himself.
Thanks to the extraordinary blessings of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche, the Wheel of Kadam Dharma never ceases in this world. Just as the Summer Festival finishes, a full program of National Festivals and Dharma Celebrations arises for September.
As the International Summer Festival 2021 draws to a close this is a great time to look back over the delightful days of Week 2 as revealed in the Festival Diaries