Every year the New Kadampa Tradition – International Kadampa Buddhist Union (NKT-IKBU) organises a world wide programme of special courses on Buddhism and meditation that explain how to apply Buddha’s teachings (Dharma) to modern living. The programme includes International Festivals, National Festivals and Dharma Celebrations.
These Festivals and Dharma Celebrations provide a precious opportunity to study and practise the special presentation of modern Buddhism taught by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, the Founder of the NKT.
The events vary in length from two days to two weeks, but whatever their duration they all offer a vacation with a difference – a chance to break free from the hectic routines of daily life and focus on the things that really matter. You will come away not only refreshed and relaxed but also spiritually re-energised.
National Festivals
In January 2019, Gen-la Jampa, the Deputy Spiritual Director of the New Kadampa Tradition, will make his second visit to Australia to give teachings on the power of the mind and to grant the blessing empowerment of Wisdom Buddha Manjushri, the embodiment of the wisdom of all enlightened beings.
All our pleasant, unpleasant and neutral experiences are created by our mind. If we do not understand this, we have no ability to truly discriminate the causes of happiness from the causes of suffering, and as a result we become dissatisfied, unfulfilled, and remain trapped in samsara. By connecting to the wisdom blessings of Manjushri and harnessing the power of our mind in a meaningful way, however, we can start to create a life of true happiness and satisfaction. Eventually, by gaining mastery over our mind, we will be able to shape our reality using blissful wisdom. We will forge an inner pathway out of suffering for ourself, have the power to liberate others, and abide in the endless joy of our own enlightened mind.