The First Kagyu Monlam in Singapore

Dates: APRIL 30 – MAY 2, 2010, Reported by Singapore Kagyu Monlam Working Committee

Aspiration Prayer for World Peace and Happiness of Beings


Through the power and truth of the noble aspirations of bodhisattva masters of the lineage and all things arising from the interdependence of cause and conditions, the seed for this Kagyu Monlam was planted close to three decades ago in Bodhgaya –the most sacred place for all Buddhists. His Holiness the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa Ogyen Drodul Trinlay Dorje first presided over the Kagyu Monlam Chenmo in Bodhgaya in 2001 at the auspicious and fervent request of Kyabje Bokar Rinpoche. This became one of the most important platforms for manifesting His Holiness Gyalwang Karmapa’s far-reaching noble activities. Under the wise and compassionate direction of His Holiness, Kagyu Monlam Chenmo in Bodhgaya is growing every year from strength to strength and manifold benefits continue to unfold.

From the very beginning His Holiness made the profound aspiration that the lamp of the Kagyu Monlam be lit in all corners of the world. This prediction has become manifest! From the Great Lamp of Kagyu Monlam Chenmo in Bodhgaya, Kagyu Monlam lamps are being lit all over the world. Primarily under the supervision and strong support of Kagyu Monlam International, presently annual Kagyu Monlam Prayer Gatherings are held in Nepal, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Indonesia and Malaysia. Along with Singapore this year there will also be Kagyu Monlams for the first time in Poland and North America.

Lama Karma Chodrak, the Main Organizer of the Kagyu Monlam International who is often referred to as “Monlam Lama” has played a vital role in encouraging and organizing the Kagyu Monlams around the world. Lama la has visited Singapore a few times over the past couple of years to field and encourage dharma friends to work towards holding the precious Kagyu Monlam for the benefit of Singapore and the world at large. So this year all the auspicious conditions came together for us to have the honour and good fortune of holding our first Kagyu Monlam! May we have the privilege of holding this special event every year with the blessings of His Holiness.

Palpung Vajra Buddhist Centre is the main organizer of the Monlam this year. All the Karma Kagyu Centers in Singapore are providing their kind support. Many individuals have made this Prayer Gathering a great success through their hard work and generous financial support.

We feel very fortunate to have His Eminence Sangye Nyenpa Rinpoche preside over our first Kagyu Monlam. We are also most grateful to him for his very direct, clear and practical teachings. Four Rinpoches, five Khenpos and a total of ninety-five sangha members attended the Monlam along with around 700 lay dharma friends.

The first day began with a procession carrying the portrait of His Holiness and was led by Sangye Nyenpa Rinpoche. After placing the portrait on the throne, a mandala offering was made to His Holiness. Through out the three days Monlam prayers were performed as outlined by the Gyalwang Karmapa. The Kagyu Monlam Aspiration Prayer Book compiled by His Holiness is the most beautiful, profound and complete prayer book anyone will ever come across. On the afternoon of the second day Sangye Nyenpa Rinpoche led a special prayer for the deceased, especially for the victims of the Yushu earthquake disaster. As it has become a tradition of the Kagyu Monlam, the last day of the Monlam culminated with the beautiful and uplifting Marme Monlam. So in this way lighting the lamp of Kagyu Monlam from one person to the next continues thus dispelling the darkness of ignorance.

We forever remain grateful and indebted to His Holiness Ogyen Drodul Trinlay Dorje. We want to wholeheartedly thank His Eminence Sangye Nyenpa Rinpoche for kindly presiding over this very meaningful and significant event. We are deeply grateful to Lama Karma Chodrak who is a good example and inspiration for getting things accomplished. We want to thank all the individuals, the Dharma Centers and especially the main organizer, Palpung Vajra Buddhist Centre for making this most precious event possible. May all beings benefit from the vast gathering of merit. SARVA MANGALAM

 

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