Dear Friends and Fellow campers on the Path,

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It is with profound joy that I extend my warmest greetings to all who gather at the Georgia Buddhist Summer Camp. In this peaceful sanctuary, nestled among nature's beauty, we create a space where ancient wisdom meets contemporary life.

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As a senior teacher and one of the fortunate Tibetan Buddhist monks to participate in our inaugural camp, I am honored to share the essence of our journey. From our humble beginnings, our mission has remained steadfast: to provide younger generations of Asian Americans with meaningful opportunities to engage with traditional cultural practices and discover the centuries-old wisdom of compassion.

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Our summer camp blossoms as a rare opportunity—a precious moment where young hearts and minds connect with traditions that have guided countless beings toward compassion and clarity for millennia. Here, the timeless teachings of the Buddha find expression through meditation, mindful activities, and heartfelt community.

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While our organizing teams, teachers, and approaches have naturally shifted over the years, our core purpose remains unchanged. I have had the privilege of meeting countless individuals whose lives have been transformed through Buddhist practice. It warms my heart to see young parents deeply invested in this noble endeavor, primarily because they wish for their children to embrace Buddhism not merely as a traditional practice but as agenuine way of life.

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Each sunrise at our camp brings new possibilities for discovery—both of the world around us and the vast landscape within. As we practice together, share meals, and engage in meaningful conversation, we weave a tapestry of understanding that transcends cultural boundaries and speaks to our shared humanity.

To our dedicated organizers, teachers, and sponsors who work tirelessly to create an experience that is both meaningful and beneficial for all participants: your generosity creates ripples of positive change that extend far beyond these summer days. To our young participants: may the seeds planted here grow into lifelong practices that bring you stability and joy in an ever-changing world.

 

I am particularly grateful for the opportunity to learn from teachers representing various Buddhist traditions, as this rich diversity allows us all to grow together. Whether this is your first experience with Buddhist teachings or you are continuing a journey begun long ago, may your time at the Georgia Buddhist Summer Camp nourish your spirit and illuminate your path forward.

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May this noble cause continue to flourish, providing benefits for the wellbeing of our community and contributing to world peace for many years to come.
 

With my sincere prayers and boundless loving-kindness,

 

Gala Tulku Rinpoche,
Georgia Buddhist Camp​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​