What is the Kagyu Monlam?

17th Gyalwang Karmapa Orgyen Trinley Dorje blessing Lama Norlha Rinpoche

The International Kagyu Monlam Chenmo is a prayer ceremony festival held at the sacred site of Bodhgaya, India, at the grand Stupa, under the Mahabodhi tree, where Lord Buddha attained Enlightenment. The traditional prayer gathering of monks and nuns was an established tradition in Tibet, dating back hundreds of years, and was re-established in India by Kyabje Dorje Chang Kalu Rinpoche at Bodhgaya in 1983. Since then, the number of monks and nuns in attendance from Kagyu monasteries in India, Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet, lamas and members of the Kagyu fraternity around the world and pilgrims from all walks of life have been increasing. Today the Monlam hosts about six thousand monks and nuns and equal numbers of pilgrims.

Letter from Lama Norhla Rinpoche Lama Norlha Rinpoche and Kagyu Thubten Choling make offerings to His Holiness

Dear Members and Friends,

Thank you very much for helping sponsor the Kagyu Monlam these past three years. Your sponsorship helped make the Kagyu Monlam possible.

We were very fortunate to have His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa in attendance again this year, as well as Goshir Gyaltsab Rinpoche, Jamgon Kuntröl Rinpoche and Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche. Many monks and nuns gathered together to pray for world peace and for this I am very happy.

Thank you again, everybody, for your support and dedication, and I pray for all of you.

Yours in the Dharma,

Lama Norlha Rinpoche

Abbot of Kagyu Thubten Chöling Monastery

Thank You for Your Support!

Monks and nuns chanting at the Kagyu Monlam

Kagyu Thubten Choling had the honor of sponsoring the International Kagyu Monlam Chenmo for three consecutive years. The 21st, 22nd and 23rd Monlam Prayer Festivals were a great success and Kagyu Thubten Choling wishes to thank all of our members and friends for generous contributions which helped make these auspicious events possible. The blessings and merit of contributing to the gathering of thousands of monks and nuns to join in prayer is inconceivable, and we rejoice in the merit accumulated by all who helped KTC sponsor these events. Contributions to the Prayer Festival keep alive the Dharma activity of Dorje Chang Kalu Rinpoche, and we pray everyone will continue to help support this great event in the years to come.

For more information on the Kagyu Monlam and how you can contribute, please visit www.kagyumonlam.org.

"In this world, the most sacred place of all is the Vajra Seat of Bodhgaya. The greatest aspiration prayer for sentient beings to be free from suffering and filled with supreme happiness is the King of Aspiration Prayers, the Aspiration for Excellent Conduct. In a long-standing tradition, this prayer is annually recited one hundred thousand times at Bodhgaya by the members of the Kagyu community.

" Please know in your hearts that the recitation of this prayer is a cause for the pacification of war, famine, and disease, and for happiness and prosperity to flourish."

— Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche

"At Kagyu Monlam, thousands of monks and nuns come together at a sacred place with a single intention. Because so many people are taking part, the benefit for everyone involved is greatly magnified. If you cannot come to Bodhgaya, you can still participate by becoming a sponsor of this great event. Even a small offering will promote the aims of the sponsor and will create tremendous benefit for all sentient beings."

— Lama Norlha Rinpoche

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