From December10th to 14th, 2004, the Kagyü-Mönlam took place in Bodhgaya, India. More than 3000 practitioners gathered to practice Paths of Aspirations (or Wishing Prayers) under the guidance of the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, Thaye Dorje, and Kunzig Shamarpa.

Bodhgaya, located in the Indian state of Bihar, is the place where the Buddha achieved enlightenment approximately 2500 years ago.
Until today this place is the most important place of pilgrimage for Buddhists world-wide. This is why a gathering for the Mönlam practice at this place is of special importance.

Kunzig Shamar Rinpoche arrived in Bodhgaya on December 9th and guided the practice on the two following days. The 17th Karmapa arrived on the 12th . Along with them about 2800 monks and nuns from India and the Himalayas and about 200 participants from Europe and Asia practiced the Paths of Aspirations for the Excellent Conduct of the Noble Ones (Sanskrit: Arya Bhadracarya Pranidhana Raja), a Sutra from the Avatamsaka-Sutra, and a certain Manjushri-Tantra.

The practice started at 7 a.m. until 11.30 a.m. After a short lunch break it continued from 1 p.m. until approximately 5 p.m. In this way the community of practitioner focussed on their dharma-practice during the entire day – at this extraordinary place and under the guidance of these extraordinary teachers.

On December 13th, Gyalwa Karmapa inthroned a Tulku from Manang, Nepal, and the next day, he also gave a number of private and public audiences.

December 14th was also the final day of the Kagyü-Mönlam. The concluding ceremony was a Milarepa-Ganachakra (tib. Milarepa-Tsog) at the end of which the merit accumulated during these days of intensive practice was dedicated to more peace in the world and to the benefit of all beings.

© foto by Karmapa Documentary Project