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Mahabodhi Temple:
Before leaving the Mahabodhi Stupa, Gyalwang
Karmapa said that it was his last chance to talk to the participants
gathered for the International Kagyu Monlam. He described how the
Kagyu Monlam has been held 25 times in India, headed by the Gewa’i
Shenyen, Bokar Rinpoche. Many great masters came, and hundreds and
thousands of participants prayed for peace and happiness in the
world and made the firm dedication that this would actually
eventuate. So, this year, the International Kagyu Monlam offered
free medical service and 5,600 people received treatment; this is a
practical application of the aspiration to be of benefit to beings,
of the relieving of pain and of the expression of not only mere
words but real results achieved for sentient beings.
Gyalwang Karmapa prayed that the Kagyu Monlam remain for the spread
of peace and happiness throughout the world. However strong the
aspirations of the monastic and lay participants are, the Kagyu
Monlam will remain for that long and be of use and benefit. If those
aspirations are not there, the Kagyu Monlam will not remain. May
many of the participants return in the following years.
Gyalwang Karmapa said he himself is only one person and will do what
he can, but he requested everyone to return again and again, and
even if the body cannot return, he requested everyone’s mind to
return.
He spoke of Kyabje Kalu Rinpoche who began the Kagyu Monlam
tradition in India, Bokar Rinpoche who continued it, and the fine
contributions of Khenpo Lodro Donyo Rinpoche and Lama Karma Chodrak.
He also spoke of the passing away of Bokar RInpoche and his great
respect and appreciation for his life and sincerity, and how he felt
moved to put his own hand into the organization of the Kagyu Monlam.
He joked that he, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, who has so many things to do
and puts his hand into everything, has also put his hand into the
Kagyu Monlam, but that if it remains long, it will fulfill the
wishes of the great past masters and actualize accomplishment in
accord with their aspirations. He told how he, as the main planner
has tried his best with love and kindness to all people, and with
respect for all the schools of Buddhism. He thanked all the workers
and organizers for their great contribution, except himself!
The word ‘monlam’ means dedication and aspiration, which should go
directly and straight and not get stuck. The aspiration should be
very open, like sitting on the peak of Mount Everest and seeing all
beings throughout the world so that aspirations and compassion will
rain down on all: Compassion as vast as space and as deep as the
ocean. When the participants make prayers at the Stupa, first they
should understand and remember what they pray and that their
compassion should come out of their mouths not just as breath but as
golden-coloured light which spreads throughout every corner of the
world. Wherever there are any sounds or cries of pain and anguish,
wherever there is the sound of violence may they be pacified.
Wherever there are weapons, poisonous gases and unclean clouds and
vapours, may they be immediately transformed so the world is clean
and purified. May the minds of beings become pure and true.
The aspirations and prayers of the assembly of Kagyu Monlam
participants are stronger than those of one individual. May beings
feel as joyful and happy as the joy and happiness a mother feels
when she meets her long-lost only child again. With such prayers,
then this Kagyu Monlam becomes a real prayer, and the sounds of
peace and happiness will spread from this holy Seat of Buddhism,
like the sound of the Dharma conch shell being blown. May it happen
again and again. May all the participants return peacefully to their
abodes. BENZA MU.
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