This weekend, Kadampas around the world celebrated Buddha’s Enlightenment Day with joyful gatherings and devoted practice. Nyungnay retreats to purify negative karma, teachings, empowerments and courses, vegetarian feasts, and activities for young people were just some of the ways practitioners marked the anniversary of Buddha Shakyamuni demonstrating the attainment of enlightenment.
April 15 is Buddha’s Enlightenment Day! On this day we celebrate Buddha Shakyamuni appearing in our world and demonstrating the manner of attaining enlightenment.
This Saturday special events were held at Kadampa centers worldwide in celebration of the annual NKT Day.
The first Saturday in April is set aside to commemorate the founding of NKT-IKBU by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche in 1991. Throughout his life Venerable Geshe-la worked tirelessly to lay the foundations for pure Kadampa Buddhism to flourish in this world for many generations to come, bringing inner peace to everyone.
Recently the sangha at the newly emerging Kadampa center in Israel gathered for their third out-of-town retreat in a peaceful rural location. Their Teacher Daniel Koren guided meditations on the practice of patience as presented by Shantideva based on Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche’s book ‘Meaningful to Behold’.
Following our previous report of Amitayus retreats in Kadampa centres around the world here are some more photos of this year’s retreats:
Please enjoy these beautiful photos from the fire pujas at the end of 2023 Vajrayogini retreats at KMC France and KBC Avalokiteshvara in Mexico.
Traditionally in February Kadampa centers around the world engage in short retreats of Buddha Amitayus, the Buddha of long life, wisdom and merit.
By any standards January was an exceptional month for NKT In the mother center Manjushri KMC. The Temple was full throughout with people joining Gen-la Dekyong for a blissful counting retreat on the mantra of Guru Sumati Buddha Heruka and subsequent Vajradaka fire puja. The story was repeated at Kadampa centers throughout the world.
Enjoy this selection of photos from Heruka Day celebrations around the world on January 25, Heruka Day!
General Spiritual Director
