The first day of
Gyalwang Karmapa’s Lineage Practice Teachings
December
31, 2008, report by Jo Gibson,
photos taken by
Karma Lekcho, Karma Norbu, Cheng, Lu-Chung, Pan, Shih Wang
These
teachings, sponsored and organized by the Hwa-Yue Foundation from
Taiwan, are the third in a series of teachings entitled: Lineage
Practice Teachings. More than one thousand five hundred people filled
the main assembly hall at Tergar Monastery to listen to His Holiness
deliver the teachings in a mixture of Tibetan and Chinese. Chinese
devotees from Taiwan and Hong Kong formed the majority of the audience.
However, there were also disciples from the Americas, from Europe and
Russia, and from other Asian countries including Korea, Vietnam and
Malaysia.
More
An historic first –
live webcast of Gyalwang Karmapa’s teachings
You can watch the current third series “Lineage Practice Teachings”
on
http://www.karmapa-video.blogspot.com
From 9.00am – 11.00am
3.00pm – 5.00pm
Indian time = GMT + 5 1/2 hours
The teaching on
“Teachings of Kagyu Masters” will last for three days!
December
30, 2008, report by Jo Gibson,
photos taken by
Karma
Lekcho,
Karma Norbu
More
than one thousand two hundred people have registered for the Gyalwang
Karmapa’s teachings which begin tomorrow.
The teaching on “Teachings of Kagyu Masters” will last for three days
from 31st December 2008 until 2nd January 2009, has been sponsored by
the Taiwanese Hwa-Yue Foundation, and will be the third in a series by
His Holiness entitled “Lineage Practice Teachings”. In a meeting
yesterday afternoon, the Gyalwang Karmapa conferred with the organizers
of the teachings and asked for questions and suggestions of topics which
he should address over the three days. Requests included bodhichitta,
the problem of suffering, and Milarepa’s songs of realization.
More
Kagyu Monlam 2009 Radio
Frequency Guide
These frequencies will be used during the Chinese and English teachings
before and after Kagyu Monlam, and during the Monlam itself. If you are
coming to any of these events and wish to listen to a foreign language
translation, please bring a small FM transistor radio and earphones. Please
note that you will not be allowed to use the FM facility on a mobile phone
for this purpose.
There is no need to bring a radio if you wish to listen to the Chinese
translation during the pre-Monlam teachings sponsored by the Hwa-Yue
Foundation or if you wish to listen to the English translation during the
post-Monlam teachings.
Chinese FM
96.6
English FM 92
French FM 98.9
German FM 103.3 (only available from
8th January 2009)
Korean FM 97.8
Russian FM 99.9
Spanish FM100.6
Kagyu Monlam Prayer
Books go on sale
For
the first time ever, the Kagyu Monlam Prayer Book is now available in seven
languages: Tibetan, Hindi, Chinese, French, German, English, Korean,
Spanish.
The foreign language prayer books contain the Tibetan text, the phonetic
form so that people can join in the Tibetan prayers, and a full translation
too.
The Tibetan and Hindi prayer books are not for sale; they will be
distributed free to sangha members. Prices for the
others in US dollars and Indian rupees:
Chinese $15
Rs 750/-
French $5
Rs 250/-
German $10 Rs 500/-
English $10 Rs 500/-
Korean $15 Rs 750/-
Spanish $5 Rs
250/-
Gyalwang Karmapa
presides over the last debate of the Karma Gunchoe
December
29, 2008, report by Jo Gibson,
photos taken by
Karma Norbu
The Karma Kagyu Winter Debate concluded with an evening debate session;
Gyalwang Karmapa presided over the opening prayers and the first section
of the debate. More than seven hundred monks, representing nine Kagyu
shedras, were gathered in the main assembly hall at Tergar to witness
the climax of the three and a half week-long gathering.
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.
More
Gyalwang Karmapa teaches
on the Bodhisattva Vow
December
26, 2008, report by Jo Gibson,
photos taken by
Tashi Paljor
Gyalwang
Karmapa, accompanied by Mingyur Rinpoche and their respective
entourages, graciously accepted an invitation from the Root Institute,
the F.P.M.T. Dharma centre situated in pleasant gardens a short distance
from Bodh Gaya.
He gave a short teaching to the centre’s staff and an international
group of Buddhist practitioners, including some who were about to
undertake a short retreat course on the Bodhisattva Vow.
More
His Holiness visits the
Royal Bhutanese Monastery
December
26, 2008, report by Jo Gibson,
photos taken by Karma Lekcho, Karma Norbu
His
Holiness once more visited the Royal Bhutanese Monastery in order to check
on progress in making the Kagyu Monlam torma (butter sculptures). All the
smaller tormas were ready, one of the six large special tormas was finished,
and the others were nearing completion.
This year a film crew is making a documentary about the unique Tibetan
tradition of butter sculptures, and they filmed His Holiness writing the
word ‘torma’ with brush and ink in Tibetan calligraphic style.
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Umze Karma Woser Rabten
trains new Umzes
December
24, 2008, report by Jo Gibson,
photos taken by Karma Lekcho, Karma Norbu
Umze
Bai Karma was putting his heart and voice into training a group of monks
to be future Kagyu Monlam Umzes (chant leaders), who were gathered in a
circle on the lawn below. Together they practiced the Kagyu Mahamudra
Lineage Prayer, Twenty One Praises to Tara, and the Aspiration from The
Song of Milarepa, as well as other important prayers, and their measured
tones drifted up and into the Christmas Eve party above.
More
Christmas Eve
Celebration
December
24, 2008, report by Jo Gibson,
photos taken by Karma Lekcho
A
scheduled meeting of the Kagyu Monlam Working Team in the Drolma Khang
turned into an impromptu Christmas Eve party for the Gyalwang Karmapa.
His Holiness came intending to present gifts to the team, but instead,
the team offered His Holiness Christmas cards and a huge cake. His
Holiness seemed particularly amused by one card which contained a
pre-recorded chip of team members singing “We wish you a Merry
Christmas”, and delighted everybody by playing it several times. He then
skillfully cut the cake and portioned it out. Finally, he distributed
presents - bags and umbrellas- to the team members.
More
An important
reminder: Gyalwang Karmapa’s Teaching for Western Students
January
12–14, 2009 at Tergar Monastery, The theme of
this teaching will be: “The Gyalwang Karmapa shares his experiences:
Living the Dharma.” So far more than 800 people have registered. If you
wish to attend the teaching please complete on-line registration as soon
as possible. The closing date for on-line registration is 1st January
2009.
For more information, contact the Kagyu Monlam teaching organizing team
at monlamteaching@gmail.com,
and click here for
Online Registration.
Preparations for the
26th Kagyu Monlam
December 22, 2008, report by Jo Gibson
Most of the staff for the
Kagyu Monlam have now arrived in Bodh Gaya and started working immediately
to complete the preparations. The registration team in the Kagyu Monlam
Office based at Tergar Monastery is already very busy.
The main gate for the Mahabodhi Stupa site has been constructed and will be
erected shortly. An additional gate is being constructed which will display
all the aspirations sent in from all over the world this year. This latter
gate will be at the back of the seating area, facing the Bodhi tree.
Last
Day of Gyalwang Karmapa’s Teaching on Madhyamika
December 21, 2008, report by Jo Gibson
Gyalwang
Karmapa completed the transmission of the 9th Karmapa Wangchuk Dorje’s The
Lion’s Roar which Destroys Confusion. He spoke about the Four Yogas of
Mahamudra, one-pointed, simplicity, one-taste, and no-meditation, and the
three stages within each yoga - greater, middle and lower. He described each
one and mapped it onto the five paths and ten levels of the Bodhisattva. His
Holiness went on to discuss what “appearances are mind” means, and then gave
more detail about the controversies between the rangtong and shentong
viewpoints.
More
The
Sixth Session of Gyalwang Karmapa’s Teaching on Madhyamika
December 20, 2008, report by Jo Gibson
Gyalwang
Karmapa’s Teaching on the Lion’s Roar that Destroys Confusion.
Displaying both erudition and a sense of humour, Gyalwang Karmapa
continued his transmission and exposition of the text. He dealt with two new
issues. The first was whether or not it was valid
to rank the Consequentialist Middle Way School and the Autonomous Middle Way
School, holding one as a higher view than the other. The second was the with
regard to rangtong (self-empty) and shentong (other-empty). His Holiness
explored the historical context of the debate between the proponents of
rangtong and shentong, the acceptance of the shentong view in the Khamtsang
Kagyu, and the role of the Jonang School.
More
The
Fifth Session of Gyalwang Karmapa’s
Teaching on Madhyamika
December 19, 2008, report by Jo
Gibson
Gyalwang Karmapa continued reading
from the 9th Karmapa Wangchuk Dorje’s text The Lion’s Roar which
Destroys Confusion. He focused on the section concerning the five
criticisms that later Tibetan scholars directed at the Consequentialist
School, and led his audience through the stages of logical argument
which the 9th Karmapa Wangchuk Dorje used to refute them.
More
The Akshobhya Retreat Begins!
December 19, 2008, report by Jo
Gibson
The Akshobhya retreat
began on Friday 19th December, a day later than originally planned, and
will last for fifteen days, concluding on 2nd January 2009. There are 16
monks, drawn from all the Kagyu monasteries, in retreat. The retreat is
a preparation for the Akshobhya Ritual to be held on the 9th and 10th
January 2009, during the 26th Kagyu Monlam. This year’s ritual will be
especially dedicated to all those who lost their lives in the typhoon
which hit Burma, the March disturbances and demonstrations in Tibet, the
Sichuan earthquake in China, and the November terrorist attack on Mumbai
(Bombay).
More
The
Fourth Session of Gyalwang Karmapa’s Teaching on Madhyamika
December 18, 2008, report by Jo
Gibson
Gyalwang Karmapa gave a scholarly overview of some of the issues in the
Tibetan canon, with particular reference to differences between Tibetan
and Chinese texts. He focused on the Tibetan and Chinese versions of the
Five Works of Maitreya, using internal evidence from the texts
themselves to argue a logical order.
He also began the transmission of the main text for the teaching : The
Lion’s Roar that Destroys Confusion by 9th Karmapa Wangchuk Dorje.
The Third Session of
Gyalwang Karmapa’s Teaching on Madhyamika
December 17, 2008, report by Jo
Gibson
Madhyamika is noted as being a very difficult area of study, yet, each day,
the number of people attending the teaching has grown, and this prompted His
Holiness to tell a funny story. Looking around the large assembly hall at
Tergar, he told how a Geshe had gone abroad to deliver a teaching on the
Middle Way approach. The first day there was a good number of people
present. The following day there were fewer, and this continued until the
final day, when the Geshe found himself addressing an empty room. His
Holiness concluded that this was definitely not the case at Tergar.
More
Gyalwang Karmapa’s
teaching on Madhyamika continues
December 16, 2008, report by Jo
Gibson
The assembly hall of Tergar Monastery was packed with monks and laypeople to
listen to the second part of Gyalwang Karmapa’s teachings which continued
this afternoon. This is only a brief report on the session. It may be
possible later to provide a fuller report from the transcription of the
Tibetan.
More
Gyalwang Karmapa begins
teaching on Madhyamika.
December 15, 2008, report by Jo
Gibson
Each
year, during the Karma Gunchoe, the Gyalwang Karmapa gives a dharma teaching.
The teaching will be based primarily on A synopsis of the Middle Way :The Lion’s
Roar a text written by the 9th Karmapa Wangchuk Dorje.
In the first session, the Gyalwang Karmapa began by emphasizing the importance
of motivation and intention these days, since modern methods of transport had
made pilgrimage so much easier than in the past and great determination and
perseverance were no longer necessary. Without correct motivation and intention,
there would be no real benefit in travelling to Bodh Gaya on pilgrimage or to
receive teachings.
More
For Protecting the
Environment, Please to bring own cup, plate, spoon etc.
Sunday
December 14th
In a meeting with Kagyu Monlam Working Team members, the Gyalwang
Karmapa asked people who attend this year’s Kagyu Monlam to bring their own
cup, plate, spoon etc, to reduce the use of disposable cups and plates in
order to protect the environment.
More
His Holiness accompanied
by Mingyur Rinpoche visiting the Mahabodhi Stupa
December 12, 2008, report by Jo
Gibson, photos taken by Karma Lekcho
On
Friday December 12th, in the morning, His Holiness, accompanied by Mingyur
Rinpoche, completed his first public engagement, visiting the Mahabodhi
Stupa. Before he entered the Mahabodhi Stupa grounds, he was greeted by the
Chairman of the Mahabodhi Management Committee, who presented His Holiness
with a traditional Tibetan khatag. His Holiness then walked barefoot to the
shrine hall of the Mahabodhi stupa. He prostrated three times to the golden
image of Shakyamuni Buddha, offered mandala prayers and recited the Praise
of the Twelve Deeds of Lord Buddha. Finally, he completed two
circumambulations: one inner circuit and one outer circuit.
More
The Gyalwang Karmapa
reached Tergar Monastery
December 10, 2008, report by Jo
Gibson, photos taken by Karma Lekcho
The
Gyalwang Karmapa left Dharamsala on Tuesday 9th December and in the early
evening of Wednesday 10th he reached Tergar Monastery, Bodh Gaya, where he
will be staying throughout the Karma Gunchoe (the Karma Kagyu Winter Debate
session) and the 2009 Kagyu Monlam.
Hundreds of monks from the Karma Gunchoe, 120 young monks from Tergar
Monastery, and many laypeople lined the route to the monastery offering
khatag, incense and lotus flowers to greet him as he arrived.
More
The Announcement to
Kagyu Monlam Staff
Each Working Team needs to arrive at Bodhgaya as following Date:
|
Dec. 03, 2008 |
Dec. 11, 2008 |
Dec. 14, 2008 |
Dec. 25, 2008 |
|
Rites & Rituals Team
Storage Team
Dining Team |
Administrative Team
Registration Team
Welcome Team |
Discipline Team
Chant Masters Team |
Translation Team
Merit Offerings Team
Environmental Protection Team
Publicity Team
Health Team |
Under the Kagyu Monlam Administration Team, the
Publishing Team had printed out the Kagyu Monlam Chenmo Prayer books in
eight different languages which are Tibetan, English, Chinese, Korean,
Hindi, Germany, Spanish and French.
26th Kagyu Monlam Chenmo, Volunteers application ready to go!
The Kagyu Monlam in 2009, with the blessing of H.H Karmapa, the holy
opportunities of devotion for all human beings will be available to all
of us. For world peace, let us gather together, sharing the bright
moonlight in the sacred place, dedicating ourselves for peace and
happiness throughout the world.
Joining US or for more
information, please contact Ani Gunga
volunteers@kagyumonlam.org
26th Kagyu Monlam Chenmo,
Volunteer Groups and Description
More
Announcement for the
Bhiksuni Group Attending the 26th Kagyu Monlam Chenmo
His
Holiness the Gyalwang Karmapa has said that the purpose of the Kagyu Sangha
Monlam Chenmo is to spread the seeds of compassion and loving-kindness, to
awaken the power of compassion and loving-kindness, so that the world can
achieve genuine happiness and peace.
Concerning the
participation of the bhiksunis, His Holiness particularly said, to the
extent that the bhiksunis participate in the Kagyu Monlam, everyone will be
able to see the bhiksunis’ virtue. Although there are many female renunciant
practitioners and novice nuns in Tibetan Buddhism, there are still many
difficulties in establishing a bhiksuni Sangha. For this reason, if more
bhiksunis attend the Kagyu Monlam, it will help the nuns’ Sangha of the
Tibetan Buddhist tradition to increase their confidence and courage about
the bhiksuni Sangha.
More
Announcement of Gyalwang
Karmapa’s Teachings
Following
the 26th Kagyu Monlam, the organizers of the Kagyu Monlam will organize a
special teaching by the Gyalwang Karmapa primarily for students from Western
countries. The teaching will be held from January 12–14, 2009 at Tergar
Monastery in Bodhgaya, Bihar, India. Its topic will be: “The Gyalwang
Karmapa shares his experiences: Living the Dharma.” For more information,
contact the Kagyu Monlam teaching organizing team at
monlamteaching@gmail.com , and
click here for the
Online
Registration.
More
An Invitation to Write
an Aspiration Prayer for the 26th Kagyu Monlam
At
the 26th Kagyu Monlam we plan to line the outer
circuit with special prayer flags, displaying prayers of aspiration written
by ordinary people.
If you would like to write an aspiration prayer to be used at Kagyu Monlam:
the prayer can be short, just a few lines;
it shouldn’t be longer than 100 words;
it can be prose or poetry;
it can be in any of the following languages:
Chinese, English, French, German, Hindi, Korean,
Spanish, or Tibetan;
it should have a clear theme.
More
26th Kagyu Monlam Chenmo Rites & Rituals Team Announcement
Monlam Stone Altar
Project
In
order to bestow blessings and merits to the people of all nations
in a literal manner during the upcoming Kagyu
Monlam Chenmo near end of the year, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa
Karmapa is requesting a collection of small stones
be gathered from each and every country of the
seven continents. The stone collections will be used in the
construction of a stone altar. His Holiness will personally perform
a blessing ritual during the Kagyu Monlam, and the
merits will then be dedicated to every human being in the world so that we all may have
peace, safety, and happiness while being free from illness, hunger,
disputes, and wars.
More
The Gyalwang Karmapa’s Birthday Celebration
June 26, 2008, report by Khenpo
Ten Nam, translated by Karma Choephel, photos taken by Karma Norbu
During
the 25th Kagyu Monlam, the Gyalwang Karmapa spoke profoundly and extensively
about the need to preserve and protect the world’s environment. In accordance
with this, on the occasions of the birthdays of the Seventeenth Gyalwang Karmapa,
on June 26, 2008, and the omniscient Dalai Lama on July 6, 2008, the Kagyu
Monlam Administration Team planted over 1000 trees in Palampur, near
Dharamsala, India. These trees were planted for world peace and for the long
lives of the Dalai Lama, the Gyalwang Karmapa, and the other great masters upon
whom world peace depends.
More
Announcement of the 26th Kagyu Monlam
The
26th Kagyu Monlam will be held from January 4–11, 2009, in Bodhgaya, India. The
Gyalwang Karmapa will continue his teaching on The Life of Milarepa. On
the sixth day of the Kagyu Monlam, Pal Gyalwang Karmapa will confer the Tara
empowerment. In addition, the purification pujas of the buddha Akshobhya for the
living and deceased, reading of the Kangyur, an alms procession, and other
activities will be performed during the Monlam.
Click here for
the detailed
26th Monlam Schedule
Announcement of Gyalwang Karmapa’s Teachings
Following the 26th Kagyu Monlam, the
organizers of the Kagyu Monlam will organize a special teaching by the Gyalwang
Karmapa primarily for students from Western countries. The teaching will be held
from January 12–14, 2009 at Tergar Monastery in Bodhgaya, Bihar, India. Its
topic will be: “The Gyalwang Karmapa shares his experiences: Living the Dharma.”
For more information, contact the Kagyu Monlam teaching organizing team at
monlamteaching@gmail.com , and
click here for the
Online
Registration.
People attending the teachings will need to organize their own accommodations
and food; click here for more information on
staying in Bodhgaya. There is no fee for the teachings, but participants
will have the opportunity make teaching gifts and offerings to His Holiness. The
teachings will be translated into English, with translation into other languages
available over FM radio.
In addition, the
Hwa Yue Foundation will organize a three-day teaching by the
Gyalwang Karmapa prior to the Kagyu Monlam starting on December 31, 2008
primarily for students from Asian countries. This teaching will be translated
into Chinese with translation into other languages available over FM radio. For
more information, please contact to Hwayue Foundation.
