Kagyu Monlam 2018: the story so far (photos)

December 20, 2018

Thaye Dorje, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, is presiding over the 2018 Kagyu Monlam in Bodh Gaya, in India’s north-east Bihar state. Karmapa has been leading the aspiration prayers since 1996, accompanied by other Buddhist lamas.

The Kagyu Monlam is the most significant event for Karma Kagyu practitioners around the world, as thousands of students, monks, nuns, and other venerables come together to offer aspiration prayers for the benefit of all sentient beings. The setting for this auspicious event is, of course, Bodh Gaya, where the historical Buddha attained enlightenment.

Before the start of the Kagyu Monlam, the Fourth International Karma Kagyu Meeting took place, providing an important global platform to discuss issues related to preserving and strengthening the lineage.

On the first day of the Kagyu Monlam, Karmapa takes his throne under the shade of the Bodhi Tree, and leads prayers, including the ‘King of Aspiration Prayers’ or ‘Samantabhadra Wishing Prayer’.

Please enjoy a sample of photos from Bodh Gaya, including Karmapa’s pilgrimage to the site of the ancient Buddhist University of Nalanda.