Despite the seeming obstacles, over 400 intrepid travellers made it to KIBI to attend this year’s public course. Gathering together in the KIBI shrine room, in the presence of HH Karmapa and the great masters was a wonderful experience.
Lama Jampa was invited to give the opening address and he gave the audience a glimpse into the feast of dharma teachings to come and guided us on how to make the most of this precious opportunity.
Lama Jampa continued to teach Karma Thinley Rinpoche’s Lojong text ‘ Dispelling the Darkness of Suffering’. This begins with ultimate bodhicitta where we analyse our experiences in daily life and then settle in our buddha nature.
Jamgon Kongtrul developed the understanding of buddha nature which was also the main topic of the Gyud Lama taught by Khenpo Lobsang.
His Holiness Karmapa taught from Chapter eight on Meditation from Shantideva’s great text The Way of the Bodhisattva and reminded of the need to discard worldly attachments and distractions in order to experience the benefits of meditation.
His Holiness Karmapa also kindly bestowed the precious initiations of White Tara and Chenrezik. In between sessions we all enjoyed the delicious food provided and relaxed in the sunshine of the KIBI gardens!