The teachings at the Festival

At this year's Spring Festival Gen-la Kelsang Jampa will grant the empowerment of the Wisdom Dharma Protector, Dorje Shudgen. Then, based on instructions received from Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche, he will give teachings on the extensive practice of Melodious Drum, a ritual practice for fulfilling the heart commitments of Kadampa Buddhism and for restoring any degenerated or broken commitments.

At this Festival we have the great opportunity to connect to our Spiritual Guide as an emanation of the Wisdom Buddha appearing in the form of our Dharma Protector. A Dharma Protector is an emanation of a Buddha or Bodhisattva whose main functions are to avert the inner and outer obstacles that prevent practitioners from gaining spiritual realizations, and to arrange all the necessary conditions for their practice.

Beings in this present time have a strong karmic link with Dorje Shugden and so he is the Dharma Protector who is most able to help us. Therefore it is said that, “now is the time to rely upon Dorje Shudgen.” Dorje Shugden always helps, guides and protects pure and faithful practitioners by granting blessings, increasing their wisdom, fulfilling their wishes and bestowing success on all their virtuous activities.

It is also said that, “if we rely sincerely on Dorje Shugden he will open the wisdom-eyes of his faithful followers, enabling them always to make the right decisions”. In this way, by receiving the empowerment and deepening our reliance on Dorje Shugden, we can accomplish great wisdom protection and never be apart from a powerful ally and a wise and compassionate guide.

The empowerment and teachings are open to everyone and are suitable for beginners.