2008 Northwest Dharma Celebration
Living a Wise and Compassionate Life

The Blessing Empowerment of Manjushri and
Teachings on Shantideva's Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life
with Gen-la Kelsang Dekyong

August 28 - September 1

The Program (note: all events take place at Kadampa Meditation Center Washington except for the public talk on Thursday)

Public Talk - Confidence to Change
Thursday, August 28, 7:30 - 9:00pm
Note: This talk with Gen-la Dekyong will be held at University of Washington, Kane Hall room 130

Buddha taught that the real source of happiness is a peaceful mind. By putting his clear teachings into practice, we can still our inner turbulence, begin to solve our daily problems and be of great benefit to those we meet. Everyone is welcome to enjoy this talk with Gen-la Dekyong, who will encourage us to have the confidence to positively change our mind!

Introductory Talk - Awakening our Compassion
Friday, August 29, 7:30 - 9:00pm

Compassion arises from the mind of love. Feeling close to others and appreciating them, we naturally wish them to be happy and free from suffering. In this talk we'll discover how awakening our compassion helps heal our painful minds of anger and selfishness and gives us tremendous energy to work for the benefit of others.

Blessing Empowerment - Awakening our Wisdom
Empowerment on Saturday, commentary on Sunday and Monday

On Saturday, Gen-la Dekyong will grant the blessing empowerment of Buddha Manjushri. Through receiving his wisdom blessings, we can awaken our potential to see the liberating truth about the way things really are. On Sunday and Monday, Gen-la Dekyong will give commentary to Shantideva's famous text, Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life. This beloved poem, written over 1200 yeas ago, reveals beautifully how to live a life of great meaning and altruism, combining our wisdom with great compassion.

Teachings with Prayers for World Peace - How to Make a Difference in this World
Sunday, August 31, 10 - 11:15am

Every Sunday at KMC Washington people gather to listen to Buddha's timeless wisdom teachings and make prayers for world peace. During the Celebration Gen-la Dekyong will teach a special Sunday class inspiring us to make a difference in this world. Families are most welcome - a children's class will be offered at the same time.

See schedule here.