Travelling to the Lake District for International Kadampa Festivals is magical – rolling hills, an array of wild flowers and many lakes provide a picturesque backdrop and the final destination, Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre, mesmerizes with its extraordinary beauty.
Manjushri KMC is in the heart of Cumbria and provides the perfect base for Kadampas to explore the English countryside on the free day of the Summer Festival.
Equipped with packed lunches, Sangha friends and a gorgeous clear blue sky many Kadampas visited well known places such as Keswick, Bowness-on-Windermere and Hawkshead. Or more famously Beatrix Potter’s house, Hill Top.
It was a treat for international guests to discover small country towns graced with traditional cottages adorned with window flower boxes and corner stores specialising in homemade fudge, chocolates, marmalade and relish.
Other Kadampas stayed local and descended on Ulverston en masse. A popular lunch spot was the World Peace Café, inspired by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso to promote peace throughout the world.
Quote of the day
Occasionally our strength may weaken or tiredness may set in. At such times it is a sound practice to leave whatever activity we are engaged in and relax. Then, when we are ready to continue, we can resume our practice with renewed vigour.
Meaningful to Behold, Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso
Melodious Drum
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Melodious Drum Victorious in all Directions
On the morning of the free day, a chanted meditation, Melodious Drum Victorious in all Directions was held in the Kadampa Temple.
This special practise draws us closer to our Dharma protector, Dorje Shugden.
The function of a Dharma protector is to avert inner and outer obstacles that prevent us from making progress on the spiritual path.
This very blessed chanted meditation is called “Kangso” in Tibetan, which means “Fulfilling and Restoring Ritual”, and is performed once a month in Dharma Centres throughout the world.
Poetic and beautifully composed, the prayers provide a wonderful opportunity to develop a connection with Dorje Shugden and to make requests to not only protect the pure tradition of Je Tsongkhapa but also our mind with love and compassion.
Dorje Shugden has the power to pacify obstacles, gather necessary conditions and to protect us on our spiritual path.
OM VAJRA WIKI WITRANA SOHA