Mountain Meditation Retreats in Mexico and Switzerland
Dec 17, 2024
Modern Kadampa Buddhism
New Kadampa Tradition - International Kadampa Buddhist Union
Founder:
The Founder of Modern Kadampa Buddhism is Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche, affectionately known as Venerable Geshe-la, a world-renowned meditation master and Teacher. He inspired thousands of people around the world to apply the pure teachings of Buddha to their modern lives to solve their personal problems and discover a deep and lasting inner peace and happiness. Today, the legacy of his life's work touches the lives of people of all nationalities and cultures.
"The day will come when you will do my job."
VENERABLE GESHE KELSANG GYATSO RINPOCHE
Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche devoted his entire life to making the pure teachings of Buddha available in a modern form to people throughout the world.
Now Venerable Geshe-la's followers holding him at their hearts continue his work with auspicious projects in every region of the world.
In early December, two meditation retreats took place in the mountains of Mexico and Switzerland. KMC Monterrey’s community contemplated teachings on emptiness during their annual Heart of Wisdom retreat, while Sangha from Italy and Switzerland drew closer to the meaning of Je Tsongkhapa’s Three Principal Aspects of the Path.
At this time of year, many Kadampa centers around the world come together to celebrate the end of year and enjoy time with their communities. Here is a glimpse of the festive season at Manjushri KMC, KMC Chile, KMC Munich in Germany and Nagarjuna KMC in the UK.
Kadampa centers have hosted inspiring events worldwide, including a transformative retreat in the Blue Ridge Mountains, a “Closing Cycles” event in Mexico and in Paris, Gen Dechen from KMC Lille led a joyful meditation day. These events all reflect the global Kadampa community’s dedication to spiritual growth and connection.
On the December holiday weekend, people from all over Spain gathered at KMC Spain for the National Dharma Celebration 2024 at the Kadampa Temple for World Peace in Malaga. Over 500 students (in person and online) received the blessing empowerment of Buddha Manjushri from National Spiritual Director, Gen Kelsang Chokga.
From the transformative blessings of Medicine Buddha at KMC Peru to celebrating the eighth anniversary of KMC Colombia, and a heartfelt retreat with Green Tara at KMC Cordoba, this weekend brought profound moments of spiritual connection in South America.
There is never a time when we do not need to rely upon a Spiritual Guide. Even after we have attained enlightenment we still need to rely sincerely upon our Spiritual Guide so as to show a good example to others. For example, Avalokiteshvara's crown is adorned by Amitabha to show that he relies upon his Spiritual Guide. Similarly, Maitreya's crown is adorned by a stupa, symbolising his reliance upon his Spiritual Guide, Buddha Shakyamuni.