Kagyu Monlam 2013

This year’s Kagyu Monlam in Bodhgaya was preceded by several days of extensive Mahakala practice, culminating in the performance of elaborate lama dances on the final day

Thaye Dorje, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, His Eminence Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche and His Eminence Beru Khyentse Rinpoche, who hosted the Mahakala pujas at his monastery, are watching the lama dances with keen interest

His Eminence Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche, performing during the Mahakala dances

This year’s Kagyu Monlam started on December 14 at 7am, with Thaye Dorje, His Holiness the 17th Karmapa lighting a lamp and offering a kata to the Buddha statue at the Maha Bodhi Temple

Her Majesty the Royal Grandmother Ashi Kesang Choeden Wangchuck of the Kingdom of Bhutan meets Thaye Dorje, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, in front of the Maha Bodhi Temple

Samantabhadra’s Aspiration Prayer for Excellent Conduct (Zangcho Monlam), also known as the King of Aspiration Prayers, is the main prayer accumulated during the Kagyu Monlam. Thaye Dorje, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa has recently described this prayer as being a perfect example of Buddha speech: “It is perfect in every way. There is simply not one sentence – in fact, not one word or even one syllable – that is not Buddha speech.”

Once again this year, many Rinpoches and lamas have assembled at the sacred place of Bodhgaya to join Karmapa in the aspiration prayers for the benefit of all beings and for world peace. His Eminence Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche holds a supreme position among them

Monks and nuns from different monasteries from across the Himalayan regions have come to Bodhgaya to join in the auspicious event of the Kagyu Monlam

His Eminence Beru Khyentse Rinpoche, who played host to the Mahakala pujas held before the Monlam at his monastery Karma Tharjay Chokhorling, reciting aspiration prayers together with Thaye Dorje, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa

On December 18 Thaye Dorje, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, transmitted the empowerment of Avalokiteshvara (Tib: Chenresig) to a large gathering of devotees

Before starting on the empowerment proper Thaye Dorje, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, gave a succinct explanation of the meaning and benefits of receiving this particular empowerment

More than three thousand devotees gathered to receive the empowerment of Chenresig from Thaye Dorje, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa

For almost four hours, Thaye Dorje, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, moves through the rows of the gathered devotees to transmit the final blessing with the ritual implements

Every day, food is distributed to hundreds of the most underprivileged people in Bodhgaya

The poor enjoying the food offering, after having waited patiently for their plates to be filled by the voluntary helpers

Distribution of a thousand blankets, organised and sponsored by SABA (South Asia Buddhist Association)

Apart from the teachers and pupils of Bodhi Tree School, hundreds of students from a nearby university have gathered to meet Thaye Dorje, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, and exchange with him on matters of spiritual relevance

Warm blankets are distributed to some of the poorest people, many of whom are homeless and have to sleep in the street, despite the chilly temperatures at night

Karmapa’s convoy on the way to Bodhi Tree School, located in the middle of nowhere at half an hour’s drive from Bodhgaya

Bodhi Tree School provides education to some of the most underprivileged children in the area

Although the conditions at the school are extremely basic, the staff is enthusiastic and motivated and the little students eager to learn

The children welcome Karmapa and entourage with great interest and curiosity

KHCP treating thousands of people at the Bodhi Tree. For further informations please visit www.karmapa-healthcare.org