US National Festival 2023

When things go wrong in our life and we encounter difficult situations, we tend to regard the situation as the problem. In reality, whatever problem we experience comes from the side of our mind. If we can learn to respond to difficulties with a positive or peaceful mind, they will not be a problem for us. We can even see them as opportunities for growth and development, increasing our good qualities, especially
our compassion.

Compassion is the best wealth–an inner treasure greater than any external possession. Buddha’s “training the mind” teachings enable us to view our challenges in a new way so that we can increase our compassion. This makes our mind more and more positive, eventually transforming it into a completely pure mind, the state of enlightenment. We all want the world to be free of suffering, a “pure land.” To do this we simply need the pure mind of compassion.

During this festival, Kadam Bridget will grant the empowerment of the Buddha of compassion, Thousand-armed Avalokiteshvara. Through making a connection to Avalokiteshvara and receiving his inspiration and blessings, our compassion will become stronger than ever before.