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. Photo/Norbu Zangpo](https://www.karmapa.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/kagyu_monlam_13_01.jpg)
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
![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. His Holiness 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." Photo/Norbu Zangpo](https://www.karmapa.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/kagyu_monlam_13_03_01.jpg)
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 His Holiness Gyalwa 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. Photo/Magda Jungowska](https://www.karmapa.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/kagyu_monlam_13_03_02.jpg)
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
![On December 18 His Holiness Gyalwa Karmapa transmitted the empowerment of Avalokiteshvara (tib: Chenresig) to a large gathering of devotees. Photo/Magda Jungowska](https://www.karmapa.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/kagyu_monlam_13_04_01.jpg)
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 His Holiness gave a succinct explanation of the meaning and benefits of receiving this particular empowerment. Photo/Magda Jungowska](https://www.karmapa.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/kagyu_monlam_13_04_02.jpg)
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
While the main emphasis during the Kagyu Monlam is on the prayers for peace and happiness for all beings, various social activities are carried out as well.
![The poor enjoying the food offering, after having waited patiently for their plates to be filled by the voluntary helpers. Photo/Magda Jungowska](https://www.karmapa.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/kagyu_monlam_13_05_02.jpg)
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). Photo/Magda Jungowska](https://www.karmapa.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/kagyu_monlam_13_05_03.jpg)
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 His Holiness Karmapa and exchange with him on matters of spiritual relevance. Photo/Norbu Zangpo](https://www.karmapa.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/kagyu_monlam_13_05_06.jpg)
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. Photo/Magda Jungowska](https://www.karmapa.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/kagyu_monlam_13_05_04.jpg)
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
![His Holiness’ convoy on the way to Bodhi Tree School, located in the middle of nowhere at half an hour’s drive from Bodhgaya. Photo/Magda Jungowska](https://www.karmapa.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/kagyu_monlam_13_05_05.jpg)
Karmapa’s convoy on the way to Bodhi Tree School, located in the middle of nowhere at half an hour’s drive from Bodhgaya
![Although the conditions at the school are extremely basic, the staff is enthusiastic and motivated and the little students eager to learn. Photo/Norbu Zangpo](https://www.karmapa.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/kagyu_monlam_13_05_08.jpg)
Although the conditions at the school are extremely basic, the staff is enthusiastic and motivated and the little students eager to learn
Medical Camp of KHCP-Karmapa´s Healthcare Project
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