Geshe Michael has been touring in Taiwan and Hong Kong, birthing the new Diamond Cutter Institute, using a format involving an open talk followed by a 2-day retreat. We have a completely different program to offer now: Geshe la is involving the entire crew in the production. He says it will change over time, but already the basic program is taking form. The program moves quickly, changing presenters, formats, and translators every few minutes.
The first night started with Mercedes singing "Emmanuel" (from the Christmas album), accompanied by Geshe Michael on the sitar. There were several segments using the success stories from the new Diamond Cutter book, used to illustrate various principals of how karma ripens; a couple of meditations, led at various venues by Rob Hou, Nicole Vigna, John Brady, Eric Stryson, Teddy Sczudlo, and Jamie Plante; a couple of rousing debates with Geshe la and Ven Jigme, Ven Chukyi, and Ven Nyingpo; and afterwards a chance for everyone to get their books and CDs autographed and to get photos with Geshe Michael.
The program was extremely well organized, with an amazing turnout: 1100 people packed the auditorium in Taipei both nights, and we're expecting a full house for the retreat, which starts on Friday night.
Oh and then the demonstration to encourage people to do their yoga:
