Kadampa Buddhism is flourishing throughout the world.
This pure tradition of Mahayana Buddhism continues to deeply touch people from every walk of life, cultural background and nationality.
Kadampas are part of a global family connected by the same goal – the attainment of enlightenment, permanent inner peace.
There are over 1,100 NKT Buddhist centres in 40 countries around the world with the heart of Kadampa Buddhism located at Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre, UK.
Today at the NKT international Summer Festival, UK was the start of a retreat with perfect conditions – meditations led by Gen-la Khyenrab, positioned in the magnificent Kadampa Temple and surrounded by the international Kadampa family.
Kadampa Festivals show us what our world could be like, with people from every continent united by a common intention to cherish others.
Festival Facts
There are 11 languages being translated for every session at the 2009 Summer Festival.
Quote of the day
We are all interconnected by a web of kindness from which it is impossible to separate ourselves.
Eight Steps to Happiness, Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso
Retreat Excerpt
Special Feature
Kadampa Centres Worldwide Map
See the 1,100 Buddhist Centres, Branches and retreat centres on our global map.
Today's Retreats
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Retreat Session 1 - Supreme Method for solving our problems
On the first morning of the retreat, Deputy Spiritual Director of the NKT, Gen-la Khyenrab, focussed on the method to solve the inner poison of our delusions.
Gen-la encouraged us to consider whether external methods or any other internal methods have the power to solve our problems. Upon realising that the only method to solve our problems is putting Buddha’s teachings into practise, Gen-la motivated us to rejoice that we have the opportunity to do so. Gen-la emphasised that this method is not just for Buddhists but for all living beings without exception.
Session 2 and 3 – Realising our extraordinary good fortune
Gen-la proceeded to highlight our extraordinary good fortune and guided meditations to encourage us to appreciate this precious and rare opportunity. By contemplating in this way many Kadampas were reminded how we should not waste this opportunity.
Session 4 and 5 – Abandoning our ordinary view
In these powerful meditations, Gen-la encouraged us to switch our cherishing from ourself to others. To help us accomplish this Gen-la suggested we recall situations when we experienced suffering and then to contemplate the true cause of our suffering, the belief that we are supremely important. It is impossible not to want to rid our mind of this harmful intention with such clear reasoning.