Joyful and blessed events took place recently in South America. An inauguration of the new Kadampa Center in Uruguay and a purification retreat in Argentina brought together the local community to celebrate and enjoy meditation.
As January ended, students of KMC Deuachen were rejoicing in the completion of their close retreat of Guru Sumati Buddha Heruka. Meanwhile over 10,000km away, students of KMC Chile were very happy to be starting their close retreat!
On Saturday, January 27, 2024, we celebrate with great joy and gratitude that 15 years ago, thanks to the kindness of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche, Compassion Kadampa Buddhist Center opened its doors in the city of Mérida. Later, in April 2023 we became Kadampa Meditation Center Merida.
During the first two weeks of January, students of KMC Cuernavaca were fortunate enough to receive instructions from our Resident Teacher, Gen Kelsang Nampur, on how to practice the third great preliminary guide of mandala offerings.
January 25 is a special day in the Kadampa calendar – it is Heruka Day. Heruka is Buddha’s mind of compassion manifested as form. On this day, Kadampa Centers worldwide celebrate by organizing community events and prayers.
A wonderful new development in Xalapa, Mexico, where a new center was opened this January. The local community came together to celebrate the opening of this new space with meditation and a talk by the Resident Teacher, Kelsang Shewang.
Dharma is flourishing in Scotland. Recently KMC Aberdeen in the north of Scotland took part in a well-being festival and held an open day at its beautiful new centre to reach out to people, while in the south of Scotland KMC Glasgow is making preparations for it’s exciting new centre to emerge!
The first talk of 2024 with the Resident Teacher of KMC Barcelona, Gen Kelsang Lochani, was an excellent experience for the center, community, and all participants. The talk touched on how to start the year with positive energy, where Gen Lochani shared three fundamental points for a positive start.
At the end of the year many of us think about making changes in our life. For those attending the end-of-the-year events at Kadampa Centers around the world, there was focus on a transition into a better future filled with more positivity and wisdom. Three special events took place in the USA: Mind of All Yogas at KMC New York, Energy of Life at KMC Phoenix, and The Power of Intention at KMC Tampa Bay.
New Year’s Eve 2023, Gen-la Dekyong gave teachings based on the booklet ‘Prayers for World Peace’ by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. In this time of conflict and confusion, these teachings inspire us to feel hope for peace in our world through the power of our wishes and prayers.
General Spiritual Director
