Spring is here, and at Manjushri KMC this means the time has come to prepare the center for the first International Kadampa Festival of the year. For two days everyone comes together to thoroughly clean the Temple, main building and grounds.

Kailash IRC in Switzerland and IKRC Grand Canyon in the United States hosted Dharma Celebrations featuring Buddha Manjushri empowerments. Both celebrations created a positive and inspiring environment for the participants, allowing space for like-minded people to connect and celebrate!

The eleventh Dharma Celebration at KMC Argentina gathered about 150 people from Argentina and Uruguay, celebrating Kadam Dharma with Medicine Buddha empowerment and teachings from Gen Kelsang Rinchung. The Southern Dharma Celebration took place in the US at KMC Georgia in Atlanta. Kadam Morten granted White Tara empowerment to participants from the Southern states of North and South Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, and Georgia.

Two National Festivals are taking place in April. These special events are a cherished opportunity to break from our daily problems and recharge spiritually, as well as creating causes for Dharma to grow in our countries. KMC Deuachen, in Sintra, is hosting the Portuguese National Festival on 19 – 21 April, while KMC Mexico is hosting the Mexican National Festival on 19 – 21 April 2024.

The first Saturday of April each year is NKT Day, when we celebrate the founding of the NKT by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche in 1991. With the New Kadampa Tradition – International Kadampa Buddhist Union, Venerable Geshe-la has created a global community of Dharma centers that are united by a common goal, practice the same path and follow the same internal guidance. This tradition is Venerable Geshe-la’s heart.