27th Kagyu Monlam impressions

All photos by our marvelous blog photographer Karma Norbu.

All the World’s a Stage

Standing at the very back on a raised bank you can get a panoramic view of the vast amphitheatre constructed by Lama Chokyi Gyaltsen under the direction of HH Karmapa. Three screens flank each side of a gigantic stage on two levels with a fantasy tree like a delicate Japanese cherry in blossom. As the lights focus on it, the colours change dramatically. (Is this the tree of enlightenment?) An enormous white seven petal lotus creates a breathtakingly beautiful minimalist background to this most extraordinary production of the life story of Milarepa, directed, produced and written by HH Karmapa, with actors from the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts in Dharamsala.

Seated on the stage on either side are five hundred monks and nuns who chant prayers in haunting melodies composed by Karmapa, almost like a Greek chorus, while the screens project pages of the text and impressive views of the icy peaks of the Himalayas where Milarepa meditated. This is both epic spectacle and close up, intimate drama.

May all Things be Auspicious

In his closing remarks at the Monlam, with the entire assembly present, His Holiness Karmapa reminded us of the power of prayers.

Healing the Holy Place: Down by the Riverside

Several outstanding events occurred this year which indicate to all of us here that His Holiness’ activity has begun in earnest. December 29th and 30th were dedicated to cleaning up this most polluted of holy places. Yes, the earth here is sacred but it would be better without the plastic graveyards, the open sewers and the rotting corpses. I actually picked up two dogs lying in the middle of the road, one killed, the other mortally wounded by passing cars.

Milarepa Feast Offering

On the concluding few days of the Milarepa sessions, His Holiness Karmapa emphasized that we have to integrate view, meditation and action; they cannot be separated.

HH Karmapa Becomes a Member of Kagyu Monlam

Karmapa was in a jovial mood when he delivered his annual greetings to members of the Kagyu Monlam. ‘Actually’, he said, ‘I am also a member of the Kagyy Monlam. Lama Chodrak brought me a card, but I’m the worst member because I didn’t pay’. He praised Lama Chodrak, the driving force behind the Monlam.

‘The tradition of the Kagyu Monlam’, he continued, ‘began five hundred years ago during the time of the 7th and 8th Karmapas. In India it came into existence through the efforts of Kalu Rinpoche. The Kagyu Monlam has now become international. Many people of all cultures come together and bathe in the prayers.

Meditations under the Tree

I would like to share the teachings and meditations HH Karmapa is giving under the bodhi tree at mid morning after reading sections of Milarepa’s life story. Many of these points are reminders taught in a startlingly vivid way.

The Buddha is Back in Bodh Gaya

Prayer wheels looking like paper lanterns hang suspended from the main gate leading to the stupa. In the early morning and at night they glow with coloured lights (when electricity permits). Made from wood and covered in white cloth they are painted with the mantra OM PEMO KHA BEMA LE HUNG PHAT. This mantra has powers of purification so that all who pass through the gate will receive some spiritual benefit.

Inside the grounds there is a noticeable improvement in the level of organisation and discipline Young Tibetans (dharmapalas) in dark uniforms remind you to take off your shoes and point out the appropriate areas to sit. The paths are immaculate; the mats laid out generously indicating seating areas. There’s even leg room for stretching prostration bruised knees. Volunteers in special jackets (designed by His Holiness) move deftly bearing huge teapots.

Letter to a friend

Letter to a Friend – Nagarjuna

The shrine room at Tergar Monastery in Bodh Gaya was packed with 1500 people from 52 countries. The seating was organised deftly to give every group a chance to sit at the front and gaze at the powerfully expressive face of the Karmapa. The throne, the shrine, the gigantic Buddha, the face of Karmapa – all seemed washed with gold. Chyamsin-la, the Karmapa’s sister, offered the mandala to request the teachings.

From my notes which have been edited.

The reason we chose this text, His Holiness Karmapa informed the international assembly, is that it is primarily an instruction for householders on how to practise the dharma. Nagarjuna wrote it to his friend, the King of South India. It includes the five vows and the practice of the 6 paramitas.

Kagyu Monlam Webcasting Site

This year, we have a dedicated webcasting site for His Holiness’s teachings and the Milarepa performance on January 1st.

I visited the site of the performance recently and agreed with everyone who had remarked: the stage is HUGE! Rounded with an inner step of bricks, cement and dry red earth and the background, a field of dry grass and a long horizon, the stage is perfectly set to stand out. We are so excited about this event so look for further developments in this story.

His Holiness in Bodhgaya

Waiting to greet His Holiness Karmapa on his arrival at Tergar monastery in Bodh Gaya. HH Karmapa talks to the 60 monks and nuns who will sing on January 1st for the Milarepa performance.

Preparations in Bodh Gaya

Here are a few of the daily tasks that keep us all busy in this mandala of preparations.

This is the Kagyu Monlam land in Bodh Gaya which will be the site of the Milarepa performance on January 1, 2010 and where a large stage is currently being constructed. If the Kagyu Monlam architect, who in years past (and future) has designed the stage, be prepared for nothing less than a work of art! And, word has it that a world-renowned Hong Kong movie crew will be on hand to help out the Dharamsala-based TIPA performers!

Karma Gonchoe Preparations- committee monks sewing sheets for debate participants.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LOST: The missing season in Bodh Gaya’s storage room

 

 

 

 

Chopan tries to locate torma-making items while food manager and cooks succeed in finding some supplies. We will not go hungry after all!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Decorations around the main temple in Bodh Gaya for Lhabab Duchen.

Preparations on the New Kagyu Monlam Land

As the 27th Kagyu Monlam approaches, preparations are under way at the new Kagyu Monlam land, located right next to Tergar Monastery. This site was blessed by His Holiness during the last Kagyu Monlam and many hopes were planted on that empty field.

Currently, the new land is being prepared for the festivities to inaugurate the new year.

On January 1st, 2010, a buffet lunch will be served for the sangha and a theatrical presentation on the life of Milarepa will be performed in the evening. Everyone is invited to attend the performance, which will be accompanied by a live musical orchestra, with 30 monks and 30 nuns who will lend their voices.

27th kagyu monlam dates

the 27th monlam begins on december 24, 2009 and ends december 31, 2009. what better way to celebrate christmas and new year’s than under the magnificent bodhi tree with festively twinkling lights around the stupa! join the thousands of monks, nuns and other pilgrims praying for world peace. or, if you can’t come, stay tuned for updates right here and send us your prayers from home. happy new year!

pan-asian kagyu monlam dates

the following are dates for the pan asian kagyu monlam:

on February 6th, 7th and 8th, the 5th annual Hong Kong kagyu monlam was held.

the Nepal Kagyu Monlam will be held on March 12th, 13th 14th and 15th at Benchen Monastery in Swayambhu.

the second Malaysian Kagyu Monlam will be held on March 27th, 28th and 29th in Johor Baharu Karma Kagyu Center.

the first Indonesian Kagyu Monlam will be held on April 10th, 11th and 12th in Borobudur, Jowo Serling Pa’s main seat, and the place where Atisa studied Mind Training.

lama jinpa’s speech

we received many requests to post the audio of the speech given at the conclusion of “living the dharma” teachings by lama jinpa, the spanish translator. we, at blog central, like to thank you all for watching, reading, scrolling, requesting and commenting. sarva mangalam!

The Environment

For several years His Holiness Karmapa has been concerned to implement changes in Buddhist monasteries all over the world to address the environmental crisis. This year he brought out a booklet to be distributed to all the monasteries. (There are 350 million Buddhists on the planet, according to the pamphlet.) It is entitled Environmental Guidelines and breaks down the problem into 5 categories: forest protection, water protection, wildlife protection, waste management and addressing climate change.

Karmapa Chenno

On the last two days of the teaching, His Holiness Karmapa mainly answered questions, because he had received the ‘blessing of Bodh Gaya’ – a cold and cough. He explained the meaning of Karmapa Chenno.

The meaning of karma is action or activity. So Karmapa is one who does the activity of the buddhas. At the age of sixteen Dusum Khyenpa had a vision that 1000 dakinis made a Black Hat and offered it to the Karmapa. He was enthroned as one who does the activity of all buddhas and bodhisattvas.
Karmapa does not have to be one individual. It is the name of all vajra masters who do the activity of the Buddha. Buddha said that when the dharma is near extinction, he would come and bring out the positive, light side of people’s nature.
Chenno means know me, remember me. We don’t have to say it aloud. We can say it from the heart.

Living the Dharma

His Holiness Karmapa’s sister, Chyamsin-la, offered the mandala to request the teaching, placing it on a shrine filled with miniature flags from each country in the world.

Here are some excerpts from His Holiness’ talk which clarified many misconceptions about dharma practice, attachment, and love; and also revealed the gentleness, warmth and humour of his charismatic personality.

Conclusion of the 26th Kagyu Monlam

His Holiness Karmapa seemed to be at the peak of his power when he concluded the Monlam, speaking with confidence to the entire assembly of monks and lay people. ‘Thank you to the sponsors, Gyaltsap Rinpoche and others. I express my heartfelt gratitude. You have done great aspirations and prayers for all in this great sacred place, so thank you all.’ He also thanked the volunteers who worked for the Monlam.

Recapping the results of the past year, he remarked that many of the monasteries had made their assemblies free from meat; and regarding the environment, ‘people are making attempts to do projects’.