The Third Indonesia Kagyu Monlam

Time: April 22-24, 2011
Place: Borobudur, Magelang, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Reporter: Wira
Photagrapher: Crystal Kwandy
Editor: Karen Lucic

Through the power of complete interdependence, the Third Indonesia Kagyu Monlam was held on April 22 to 24, 2011. We had the honor of having Karma Khenchen Rinpoche lead the Kagyu Monlam, held in Borobudur Mandala, Magelang. This Kagyu Monlam festival was very special due to the inclusion of the Karmapa 900 Celebration, and Tulku Pasang Rinpoche brought a speaking statue of Dusum Khyenpa to the event.

Three days of aspiration prayers, attended by two Rinpoches, seven Khenpos, 28 Lamas and approximately 200 participants from Indonesia and other countries, including Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan and Taiwan, etc., was undertaken with great concentration and bliss.

The procession began at 5 AM on the first day, in which Sangha members carried a photo of His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, along with khata offerings and flowers. The puja began with Riwo Sang chod (burnt offering) , and was followed by Sojong Vows (the eight precepts) and chanting of the aspiration prayers from the Kagyu Monlam Prayer Book.

After breakfast, representatives of the government−−−the Department of Culture and Tourism, Religious Ministry of Middle Java, and the vice department of Ancient Artifact Conservation−−−spoke at the opening ceremony. The event officially opened with the releasing of birds and the planting of Bodhi trees around Borobudur.

During a break, the committee of Khenpo Tsheten Dorje and 30 other members distributed charities of rice, instant noodles, cooking oil and money to the victims of Merapi earthquake and other needy people.

Karma Khenchen Rinpoche gave teachings throughout the first and second day on Relative Bodhicitta and Absolute Bodhicitta. Rinpoche explained about the essence of the Buddha’s teachings from the Udana-varga verses and its connection to the three Yanas in Buddhism. He also emphasized that Absolute Bodhicitta can only be achieved after we have Relative Bodhicitta.

In the afternoon of the first day, the Sangha and lay people circumambulated around Borobudur and closed by chanting dedication verses. In the evening, Lamas practiced the sacred Chod rites to the sound of the Damaru. Almost all participants attended this practice.

On the second day, participants began to chant aspiration prayers sincerely at 5.30 AM. At the break time, the Indonesia Kagyu Monlam organizer committee and participants followed His Holiness’s Go Green campaign by planting 300 fruit trees in the villages around Borobudur; subsequently, villagers will take care of these trees. After the break, the festival continued with Jang Chuk rites for those who have passed away and for those still living. The second day closed with an Akshobhya sadhana and dedication prayers. In the evening, the assembly watched the Karmapa in America 2008 video in the audio-visual room of the Hotel Manohara.

The last day included the main ceremony of the Monlam festival. After finishing the morning section, the procession of Karmapa 900 began. The Sangha carried the palanquin with the speaking statue of Dusum Khyenpa inside, carrying it out from Manohara Hotel to the puja area. Since it is a uniquely sacred procession, this section is one of special moments for people who gathered around puja area. This procession was followed by a khata offering and opening ceremony of Karmapa 900. Tulku Pasang Rinpoche gave a short explanation about the speaking statue of Dusum Khyenpa and the Karmapa 900 Ceremony by discussing the five auspicious conditions conjoined together at the moment.

Rinpoche, with the Sangha and lay people, lit his candle while reciting The Lamp Prayer composed by Atisha. This section continued by all ascending to the mandala of Borobudur in order to do circumambulation and recite The Lamp Prayer and “Karmapa Khyenno.” The festival granted bliss and happiness for all those who attended, and many formed the aspiration to come to the Fourth Indonesia Kagyu Monlam in 2012.

Link to Slideshow