The
Empowerment & Commentary  
to the Practice of
Thousand-armed Avalokiteshvara

Day 4

Compassion in action

A walk around the Festival site gives an insight into how the teachings and meditations of Modern Buddhism affect people's lives.

The shops, cafes and kitchens are all staffed by volunteers who derive genuine enjoyment from serving others. In fact, pretty much the whole festival is run by volunteers who see volunteering as a way to immediately put into action the teachings they are receiving on cherishing others.

Step outside the east door and you are met by a cluster of displays about meditation centres around the world, and invitations to participate in post-Festival retreats.

Pride of place is given to the display by the children and staff of the Kadampa Primary School in Derbyshire, set against the backdrop of their colourful school bus. The entire teaching staff and many of the parents and children have come for a day or longer to enjoy the Festival atmosphere.

And on the lower lawns, the children join others from many countries and cultures to take part in the activities offered by a group of monks, nuns and lay people who are experienced children’s activity leaders.

Listening to the shrieks of delight coming from the family area, seeing the amazing progress made by the first Kadampa School, and reading the Buddhism for Children books by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso in the Tharpa Shop inspire hope and vision for a better world for the next generation.

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