2023 US National Festival ~ Living in the Pure Land of Compassion
This year at the US National Festival 2023 attendees received the Blessing Empowerment of Buddha Avalokiteshvara and teachings on compassion with Kadam Bridget Heyes.
Kass
"On Friday night, Gen Rigpa opened the festival with an introductory talk in which he encouraged us to rejoice in our incredible good fortune and contemplate the many different causes and conditions that contributed to this wonderful appearance in our life.
Kadam Bridget Heyes then granted the empowerment and gave commentary to Venerable Geshe-la's 2008 Lojong (training the mind) compassion teachings. In essence, these teachings reveal how we can authentically switch the object of our cherishing from ourself to all living beings. When we can do so, compassion, the wish to alleviate all of the suffering others experience, arises. Finding their suffering unbearable, we then naturally develop Bodhichitta, the wish to attain enlightenment for their benefit. This is a very powerful mind. It is the highest motivation we can generate on the spiritual path. By then engaging in the Bodhisattva's path, the six perfections, we will soon accomplish our goal and become an enlightened being."
