Director Espiritual General
Día 1 ~ Los Festivales son mágicos
Jul 24, 2026
Festivals are Magical
Arrival at the Summer Festival
Over the last few weeks Manjushri Centre has completely transformed, taking on its Festival aspect as marquees are carefully integrated into the Temple and around the grounds. As if by magic, everything seems to ‘just fit’ and work perfectly.
Over the last few days more and more people have arrived and teams of Kadampas have been busy preparing the Festival site. Shelves are stocked, kitchen teams kick into action, traffic is directed, chairs are set out and signs are put up. There is an air of anticipation – the countdown to the Festival is beginning.
Entonces llega el momento en el que todo cobra vida a medida que la gente empieza a llegar, y esta base para un Festival, preparada con tanto cariño, comienza a funcionar. ¡Aparece un Festival! La gente está feliz de llegar: para algunos, un reencuentro alegre con este lugar tan bendecido; para otros, su primera visita, encantados de estar aquí. Los voluntarios están ahí para hacer que todos se sientan bienvenidos y para ayudar a orientar a la gente mientras buscan su alojamiento.
Desde el primer momento, se hace patente la amabilidad kadampa y la increíble organización de los innumerables voluntarios. Todo funciona a la perfección y con eficiencia, y se hace patente el milagro de un Festival organizado íntegramente por voluntarios.
The first teaching
Listening from the Heart
Finally, after everyone has arrived, settled in or put up their tent, and enjoyed their first meal, it is time for the first teaching session – the Dharma heart of the Festival. A full Temple of 2,000 people listens attentively to teachings from Gen Rabten. With great energy he gives a talk full of practical advice on how to get the most from the Festival: how to listen skilfully and from our hearts rather than our heads. He shares many stories and essential teachings from Venerable Geshe-la’s books, and everyone leaves feeling incredibly fortunate to be here and inspired to make the most of the days ahead.
Meeting again
Joyful Connections
After the session there is the happy chatter of people connecting with one another, discussing the teachings or simply enjoying meeting again. The Festival site looks beautiful, lit with strings of lights against the dark sky and with a half moon shining brightly over the forest. As the evening gently draws to a close, people head to bed to gather fresh energy for another wonderful day at the Festival.
Podcast
Summer Festival 2026 – Introduction Teaching
Gen Rabten gives a teaching on how to take the Festival teachings into our heart.
English
