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My first experience of a Kadampa Festival
My first experience of a Kadampa festival was the Summer Festival in 2018. It initially seemed daunting, as the empowerment was a Highest Yoga Tantra empowerment and I had no experience of Buddha’s teachings on Tantric practice.
“Welcome everybody to the NKT International Festival. The NKT International Festivals are the special method to maintain the International Kadampa Buddhist Union from generation to generation. We should know this Union is very important. With this Union we can fulfill our own and others wishes easily. So please keep my message in your heart.” – Geshla
I found it a wonderful experience. Manjushri KMC is a beautiful place and the Buddhist Temple had a wonderful atmosphere, with hundreds of like-minded people from all over the world gathering together as one big Sangha family, eager to hear Gen la Dekyong give beautiful teachings and grant empowerment.
Whenever anyone, Buddhist or not, sees a Temple or an image of Buddha they receive blessings – Geshe Kelsang Gyatso
We all needed to attend the whole 3 days of the empowerment and I was concerned about my ability to concentrate but it was a magical experience and although I sometimes found it confusing as my understanding of Highest Yoga Tantra was basic, I felt I was part of something very special and I felt very blessed. What a wonderful opportunity to receive the Highest Yoga Tantra empowerment.
Sangha – Lay and ordained Buddhist community
It was so helpful to have the Sangha community from Southampton at the Festival, to have their support and to be able to discuss Buddha’s teachings with them. In addition, outside of the sessions, it was lovely to be able to mix with other Sangha practitioners from all over the world. Everyone was very friendly and clearly delighted to be there. I would inevitably get into discussion with people in the café or whilst queuing for meals. There was such a lovely feeling of connection with others and feeling that I was part of a wider Sangha community spanning all over the world!
The ultimate spiritual holiday
It is amazing how well the Festival is organised – checking in, cafes, the meals, parking. So many kind volunteers and everyone was so helpful and welcoming. I helped out with the evening meals and although busy and tiring, it was great fun working with teams of people from other countries and our team leaders were very supportive.
There were many places to relax between sessions, cafes, shops, lounges and of course, the beautiful woodland and beach areas. Despite the crowds, it was possible to find peace and quiet if needed.
I came away with a relaxed, peaceful mind and felt truly inspired to deepen my meditation practice. I highly recommend the Festivals and as they are also available online meaning they are accessible to everyone.
Denise, Fareham – NKT Practitioner of 6 years
Branch Teacher & Teacher Training Program Student (TTP)
Interested in finding out more about KMC Southampton?
If you want to learn more about Buddha’s teachings, click here for weekly meditation classes, as well as weekend meditation courses and meditation retreats that are available to those in Southampton, Bournemouth, Ringwood, Hampshire, and Dorset.
If you want to learn more about Buddha’s teachings, as well as weekend meditation courses and meditation retreats that are available to those in Southampton, Bournemouth, Ringwood, Hampshire, and Dorset, click here