Gyalwang Karmapa attends the Jonang Monlam at the Mahabodhi Stupa

December 28, 2008, report by Jo Gibson, photos taken by Karma Norbu

Preceded by incense bearers and gyalin-playing monks, the Gyalwang Karmapa, accompanied by Mingyur Rinpoche visited the Mahabodhi Stupa once more. He first processed to the main shrine room inside the Mahabodhi Stupa, where he prostrated and recited prayers, before making his way to the enclosure in front of the bodhi tree to join the morning session of the final day of the Jonang Monlam. About two thousand people were gathered there, mostly monks and nuns, some Tibetan laypeople, and a scattering of foreign tourists and Westerners.

His Holiness’ throne faced the bodhi tree, under which lay long altars decorated with huge tormas, lotus seeds, marigolds and water offering bowls. Buddhist and Kalachakra pennants hung between the monuments, signifying the importance of the Jonang tradition in preserving the Dro-lineage of the Kalachakra. Currently there are only two Jonang monasteries outside Tibet, one in Nepal and one near Shimla, India, so only about two hundred and fifty Jonangpa monks were present.

The Gyalwang Karmapa completed his visit by making a dignified and mindful circumambulation of the outer circuit. A large crowd of devotees milled behind him., while others stood to the side, offering khatags, incense or lotus flowers as he passed by.