Kagyu Monlam 2013

Thaye Dorje, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, participates in Mahakala pujas at Karma Tharjay Chokhorling monastery in Bodhgaya.
This year's Monlam opened on December 14, with the lighting of the sacrificial lamp by Thaye Dorje, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa
Many Rinpoches and lamas have assembled at the sacred place of Bodhgaya to join Thaye Dorje, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, in the aspiration prayers for the benefit of all beings and for world peace
Thaye Dorje, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, transmitted the empowerment of Avalokiteshvara (Tib: Chenresig)
Social activities of Thaye Dorje, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, at the Kagyu Monlam

 

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

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

His Holiness 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. Photo/Norbu Zangpo

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. Photo/Norbu Zangpo

His Eminence Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche, performing during the Mahakala dances

 

This year's Kagyu Monlam started on December 14 at 7am, with His Holiness Gyalwa Karmapa lighting a lamp and offering a kata to the Buddha statue at the Maha Bodhi Temple. Photo/Norbu Zangpo

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 His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa in front of the Maha Bodhi Temple. Photo/Norbu Zangpo

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. 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

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

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

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 His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa

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 His Holiness Gyalwa Karmapa transmitted the empowerment of Avalokiteshvara (tib: Chenresig) to a large gathering of devotees. Photo/Magda Jungowska

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

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 His Holiness Gyalwa Karmapa. Photo/Norbu Zangpo

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, His Holiness moves through the rows of the gathered devotees to transmit the final blessing with the ritual implements. Photo/Norbu Zangpo

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

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.

Every day, food is distributed to hundreds of the most underprivileged people in Bodhgaya. Photo/Magda Jungowska

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. Photo/Magda Jungowska

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

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

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

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

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. Photo/Norbu Zangpo

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. Photo/Norbu Zangpo

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 His Holiness and entourage with great interest and curiosity. Photo/Norbu Zangpo

The children welcome Karmapa and entourage with great interest and curiosity

Medical Camp of KHCP-Karmapa´s Healthcare Project

KHCP treating thousands of people at the boudhi tree. For further informations please visit www.karmapa-healthcare.org. Photo/Magda Jungowska

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

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To
Event Type Celebration, Kagyu Monlam, Lecture
Teachers Thaye Dorje, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, His Holiness Shamar Rinpoche
Place Name Mahabodhi Temple
Address Buddhagaya 824231
City Gaya
Country Bihar, India
Website http://www.kagyumonlamchenmo.org/