Kagyu Monlam 2019: the story so far (photos)

December 18, 2019

Thaye Dorje, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, arrived for the Kagyu Monlam 2019, in Bodh Gaya, India, to a warm and wonderful welcome.

Crowds of monks, lamas, venerables, and students from India and around the world lined the streets with flower petals, mandalas and a red carpet, to welcome Karmapa.

Karmapa visited the Bodhi Tree School for the third consecutive year. Lines of children sang and scattered flower petals to welcome Karmapa as he entered the school. Karmapa visited their new garden and computer lab, which they were very proud to show him. The children then shared a beautiful performance they had prepared especially for Karmapa’s visit. Before departing, Karmapa gave a short speech, leaving all of the children and staff with appreciation in their hearts.

The next day was the first day of the Kagyu Monlam. In the morning, Karmapa made the ceremonial light offering with His Eminence Beru Khyentse Rinpoche.

Karmapa led the collective recitation of the Samantabhadra prayer, the King of Aspiration Prayers, for the benefit of all sentient beings. It is believed that when everyone gathers at the Kagyu Monlam and recites this prayer in the presence of Karmapa, the power and merit that is accumulated increases exponentially. This in turn serves the wellbeing and spiritual development of all sentient beings and helps them to reach enlightenment.