Europe
11th Kagyu Monlam Poland
Benchen Karma Kamtsang Centre,
August 28 – 30, 2020
Due to the pandemic situation, no Tibetan Lamas could come to Poland this year. Also, according to epidemiological rules, only a limited number of people could stay in the temple. However, the head of Benchen Monastery, His Eminence Drubwang Sangye Nyenpa Rinpoche, advised us to continue our yearly practice of holding a Kagyu Monlam, even with a small assembly. Rinpoche said that the number of people is not important; what is important is to maintain the continuity of practice. Also Ven. Sangter Tulku Rinpoche, who has most often presided over our Kagyu Monlam in previous years, encouraged us very strongly to maintain this activity.
Accordingly, thanks to the blessings and inspirations of our Lamas, our 11th Kagyu Monlam was completed in a very auspicious way and in a very uplifting atmosphere. This year, Lama Rinchen - the main lama of the Benchen Centre in Poland - led the ceremonies. Only 50 people were present in the temple, but all the prayers and ceremonies were transmitted publically via on-line streaming, so over one hundred people participated continuously in the prayers from a distance.
As is the tradition, on the first day we held a solemn procession with a portrait of His Holiness the Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje. After circumambulation of the stupa and the temple, the picture was placed on His Holiness’s throne, and Polish lamas offered a Mandala of the Universe and the symbols of Awakened Body, Speech, Mind, Qualities and Activity to the Gyalwang Karmapa - the source of all blessing and inspiration, and the supreme head of our lineage.
During the second day of Monlam, in the afternoon session, we performed the Medicine Buddha ritual and dedicated it to all those who have suffered in any way because of the pandemic. On the third day, in the afternoon, we offered a Jetsun Milarepa tsok puja.
As is the custom each year, on the evening of the last day, we offered the Marme Monlam, the Lamp Prayer. Literally, just after the last syllable of the dedication prayers was pronounced, a bolt of lightning hit remarkably close to the temple and immediately a heavy storm began. Consequently, we had to place our lamps on the shrine under the feet of the great Buddha Statue, not at the stupa, as in previous years. The storm was unusually intense, and thunderclaps and lightning filled the sky for a long time. Everybody considered it as a very auspicious sign.
9th German Kagyu Monlam 2019
Dates: July 26–28, 2019
Presiding Master: Venerable Ringu Tulku Rinpoche
Venue: Kamalashila Institute®, Eifel Monastery, 56729 Langenfeld (Eifel), GERMANY
Organizer: Karma Kagyu Community Germany and Kamalashila Institute®
Contact persons for organization: Dr. Judith Debbeler
E-mail: geschaeftsfuehrung@kamalashila.de
Information:
Website: www.kamalashila.de
Tel: +49-2655-939040
Registration:
E-mail: office@kamalashila.de
Fax: +49-2655-939041
Website:
http://kamalashila.de/programm/veranstaltungen/veranstaltung/gebete-fuer-den-frieden-in-der-welt-das-siebte-kagyue-moenlam-deutschland/
7th France Kagyu Monlam 2019
Dates: 28-30 June, 2019
More Information: https://www.kagyumeunlamfrance.org, https://www.facebook.com/KagyuMeunlamFrance
2nd U.K. Kagyu Monlam 2019
Abbot Choje Lama Yeshe Losal Rinpoche and Drupon Rinpoche, Khenpo Lhabu will preside.
2nd Spanish Kagyu Monlam 2019
Dates: June 8-10, 2019
Presiding Master: Ringo Tulku Rinpoche
Venue: BOKAR THUBTEN LING, Ibiza, Spain
Teaching: Training the Mind
More Information: See flyer
1st Kagyu Monlam in the UK 2018
The 1st Kagyu Monlam in the UK took place at Samye Ling Tibetan Centre in Scotland from 22 – 29 May 2018. It was hosted by Lama Yeshe Rinpoche, the Abbot of Samye Ling, together with Lama Katen, our Deputy Abbot.
The Monlam proceedings were presided over by Khenpo Lhabu (Drupon Rinpoche) from Thrangu Rinpoche’s Retreat Centre in Nepal.
We were also honoured that Lama Kunga from Germany attended as well as the three Western Lamas from the wider Samye Ling organisation: Lama Zangmo from London, Lama Tsondru from Spain and Lama Rinchen from Belgium.
A Chöpön (ritual master) from Sherab Ling monastery in India arrived two weeks beforehand and started preparing the richly ornamented tormas, which were later placed on the shrine alongside fruit, flowers and other offerings.
An excellent Umze from Sherab Ling monastery led the chanting of the prayers, supported by the other lamas, monks and nuns. All in all, 120 people attended the Monlam prayers.
Khenpo Lhabu bestowed the Sojong vows at the beginning of each day. He then gave two teaching sessions every day, one in the morning and one in the late afternoon. In-between the teachings were two sessions of chanting the prayers.
The first day began with a solemn procession of His Holiness the 17th Karmapa’s image. Then Lama Yeshe Rinpoche and Drupon Rinpoche, together with the other lamas, offered a mandala of the Universe, as well as symbols of awakened Body, Speech, Mind, Qualities and Activities to the Karmapa’s throne.
In the evening of the second last day, we celebrated the Marme Monlam and candles were lit and held aloft while the Rinpoches, Lamas, monks and nuns recited the prayers.
The Kagyu Gurtso (the songs of realisation of the masters of the Kagyu Lineage) were recited on the final day, which was very auspicious because it was the anniversary of the Buddha’s Enlightenment and Parinirvana. In a break between the prayers, His Holiness the 17th Karmapa delivered an address to the UK Monlam which was pre-recorded and shown on a big screen in the temple.
His Holiness made the following aspiration: “May all the sounds of lament and war as well as the poisonous winds in the environment be dispelled. May these words of love and compassion blend with the innate goodness of every single being and coalesce into one powerful force. Like the light of the sun, moon and stars, may love, compassion and wisdom shine forth...”
We were graced with wonderful sunny weather throughout the Monlam and there was an overall atmosphere of joy, friendship and harmony throughout this special time.
Samye Ling is planning to host the Kagyu Monlam on an annual basis, and we plan to make this an even bigger event next year, inviting Lamas from throughout the UK and Europe, as well as from India and Nepal.
8th Poland Kagyu Monlam 2017
25 – 27 August, 2017
The 8th Kagyu Monlam in Poland, presided over by the Ven. Sangter Rinpoche, was held at the Benchen Centre in Grabnik .
Two chöpöns (ritual masters) from the Bodh Gaya Kagyu Monlam Chenmo – Chöpön Lama Ang Pasang from Benchen Monastery and Chöpön Jigme from the Lekshe Ling Monastery – arrived a month before and started preparing richly ornamented tormas, which were later placed on the shrine alongside fruit, flowers and other offerings.
Umze Chojung led the chanting of the prayers, supported by many other lamas: lamas from Benchen Monastery in Kathmandu as well as Polish lamas who, under the guidance of Rinpoches and lamas from Benchen, had completed the traditional three-year retreat. In total, there were 26 lamas - 13 Tibetans and 13 Europeans.
Khenpo Gawa Nyima from Benchen Monastery bestowed the Sojong vows at the beginning of each day.
The first day began with a solemn procession of His Holiness the 17th Karmapa’s image. Then Sangter Rinpoche, together with the other lamas, offered a mandala of the Universe, as well as symbols of awakened Body, Speech, Mind, Qualities and Activities to the Karmapa’s throne.
Polish lamas offered the mandala to Sangter Rinpoche.
In his introductory speech, Rinpoche emphasized how much benefit prayers performed together bring and how precious are the efforts that the participants put into taking part in Kagyu Monlam.
“You must have endured the difficulties of travelling, very often coming here from far distances, “ Rinpoche said. “Maybe you are not pleased with your accommodation or you don’t like the food – ‘but remember: you have come here not for holidays! You have come here in order to express prayers of good wishes and to practise generosity, together with fully ordained monks, Khenpo, lamas and other lay practitioners.
“In this noble gathering, surely at least one person is a genuine Bodhisattva. Thanks to the power of pure samaya bonds among us and the fact that our minds merge during the prayers, everybody will benefit in the same way as the joint power of prayers of all of us together with Bodhisattvas and lamas.”
On the second day, in the morning session, Sangter Rinpoche bestowed the empowerment of Thousand-Armed Chenrezig and movingly retold the story of of Gelongma Palmo, thanks to whom we now have the Nyungne practice.
On the third day, the Offerings to the Gurus followed by the sponsor appreciation took place, and the Monlam concluded with the Chenrezig Prayer and, finally, the Marme Monlam. Rinpoche lit his candle first and then the flame was passed on. Holding their candles aloft, brightening the darkness, everyone walked around the temple and Kyabje Tenga Rinpoche's Stupa, chanting Karmapa Khyenno.
This year’s Kagyu Monlam fund-raising efforts included an auction for people to help paint the golden stripes on the top of the stupa –under the professional guidance of Joanna and Adam, of course. Those who were able to receive this precious opportunity were overwhelmed with joy. The money raised was donated to finishing the stupa.
The 8th Polish Kagyu Monlam was full of beautiful and inspiring moments created by the common efforts of our Benchen community. Led by our lamas, we were privileged to pray together, as well as meet many of our old friends and make new ones.
All the pictures and a video are available on this link:
https://www.benchen.org.pl/en/gallery/category/125-the-eight-kagyu-monlam-poland-2017
https://www.benchen.org.pl/en/history/kagyu-monlam-history/504-the-8th-kagyu-monlam-poland-2017-report
7th Kagyu Monlam in Germany 2017
Dates: July 14.–16..2017
Presiding Master: Venerable Ringu Tulku Rinpoche
Venue: Kamalashila Institute®, Eifel Monastery, 56729 Langenfeld (Eifel), GERMANY
Organizer: Karma Kagyu Community Germany and Kamalashila Institute®
Contact persons for organization: Dr. Judith Debbeler
E-mail: geschaeftsfuehrung@kamalashila.de
Information:
Website: www.kamalashila.de
Tel: +49-2655-939040
Registration:
E-mail: office@kamalashila.de
Fax: +49-2655-939041
Website:
http://kamalashila.de/programm/veranstaltungen/veranstaltung/gebete-fuer-den-frieden-in-der-welt-das-siebte-kagyue-moenlam-deutschland/
5th Kagyu Monlam France 2017
Date: July 27 - 30, 2017
Location: Grande Pagode de Vincennes in Paris
Presiding Master: Ringu Tulku Rinpoche
First day Public talk: The Art of Living and Dying ( 27th july)
Monlam prayers : 28th to 30th july
Website: www.kagyumeunlamfrance.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KagyuMeunlamFrance/?ref=ts&fref=ts
Contact and registration: kagyumeunlamfrance@gmail.com
Monlan Report
The 5th Kagyu Monlam France took place at the Grande Pagode de Vincennes in Paris from the 27th to 30th July 2017 and, for the second time, was presided over by Ringu Tulku Rinpoche.
At the request of the Kagyu Monlam France board, on the first day Rinpoche taught on the Art of Living and Dying, and bestowed a White Tara empowerment, followed by three days of Monlam prayers and activities.
Many lamas and devotees from all over France and Europe came to attend this annual event.
In the first afternoon session of the second day, everyone was delighted to welcome Ven. Dakpo Rinpoche, a revered Lama of the Geluk school, who is based in France.
On the last day, monastic sangha of the Drukpa lineage from India and Nepal visited the Monlam. During the afternoon session, Ringu Tulku Rinpoche presided over the Akshobya Puja for the living and the dead, followed by the Lama Choepa and Marme Monlam.
The 5th Kagyu Monlam France was very simple and joyful, with good weather, and was enjoyed immensely by all the participants.
Without the blessings of His Holiness the 17th Karmapa, the support of the CEO of Kagyu Monlam, Lama Choedrak, and the work of volunteers, supporters and friends, the Monlam in France would not have happened.
We dedicate all the merit of the 2017 Kagyu Monlam France to bringing inner happiness and peace to our world.
See full report https://www.kagyumeunlamfrance.org/
7th Poland Kagyu Monlam 2016
The 7th Kagyu Monlam in Poland was held in the Centre in Grabnik between the 9th and 11th of September 2016. Venerable Sangter Rinpoche was the main lama leading the event.
As before, about two months prior to the event, three experienced monks arrived from Nepal. They were appointed by the International Kagyu Mönlam Committee in Bodh Gaya. Two of them were chöpöns, who create elaborated tormas and a special shrine, while the third monk was umdze, the chant leader. The monks appointed to lead Kagyu Mönlam are not randomly selected, but chosen from an exclusively educated group of lamas representing different Kagyu monasteries in India and Nepal.
Many lamas from Benchen Monastery in Nepal, headed by Khenpo Sönam Gyurme and Dorje Lobpön, as well as Polish lamas who - guided by Benchen Rinpoches and Lamas - completed the three-year retreat in drubkhang or individually, also joined the prayers. Apart from the lamas who completed the first three-year retreat in Benchen Drubde Ösal Ling in Grabnik, there were eight new lamas who finished the second three-year retreat in drubkhang just one day before the Kagyu Mönlam started.
Each day of the Kagyu Mönlam began with taking sojong vows and chanting the morning prayers.
The ceremonial procession with the portrait of His Holiness the Karmapa took place on the first day. Afterwards, Sangter Rinpoche with other lamas offered to Karmapa's throne the Mandala of the Universe and the symbols of the Awakened Body, Speech, Mind, Qualities and Activities.
Following that, Rinpoche gave the introductory speech discussing the immense benefits of Kagyu Mönlam and the merit accumulated by its participants despite all the hardships, sacrifices and possible discomfort connected with attending the event. He also requested our community to live in unity and harmony. What would be the meaning of praying for world peace, if you would fight among yourselves, Rinpoche asked.
During the morning session on the 2nd day, Sangter Rinpoche bestowed the White Tara empowerment. On the third day, following the Offering Ceremony to the Gurus, which included tsok feast, auspicious substances, attributes and auspicious symbols were offered, brining the blessing of increasing all positive qualities, circumstances and prosperity. Those who particularly support the Centre were chosen to represent all the participants and were directly touched by printed images representing auspiciousness.
As usually, the third day was concluded by offering burning candles. Following the beautiful Marme Mönlam prayer, all of the participants circumambulated Kyabje Tenga Rinpoche's stupa chanting KARMAPA KHYENNO and placing the lamps on the steps of the stupa.
This year's Mönlam ceremony took place in a very warm and intimate atmosphere.
To see the pictures, please go to the Gallery. See also video below.
6th Germany Kagyu Monlam 2016
From August 19th to 21st 2016 the Karma Kagyu Community Germany held the 6th Kagyu Monlam Germany, organized under the guidance of Acharya Lama Sonam Ragbye and Acharya Lama Kelzang Wangdi in Kamalashila Institute®, which is the European Seat of His Holiness The XVII Karmapa. This year it was led by Ringu Tulku Rinpoche, (the representative of His Holiness in Europe), During the weekend he also gave teachings on the Eight Verses on Mind Training by Geshe Langri Thangpa
According to the Karmapa's wish the Kagyu Monlam is an event for the entire Kagyu Sangha and all buddhists, no matter which organisation they belong to. In Buddhism it is assumed that the recitation of prayers in a group multiplies the effect of the prayers.
The Kagyu Monlam is one of the main activities of His Holiness The XVII. Karmapa.
In his message for the fourth Kagyu Monlam in Germany 2014 H.H. The Karmapa said:
“The primary condition for the Buddha to awaken to Buddhahood was his aspirational Bodhichitta of wishing that all sentient beings may become Buddhas – … Thus the state of Buddhahood has aspiration as its basis, and it is the result or potential of aspirations. For that reason I strongly believe that when we in our lives make great aspirations for all beings to have benefit and happiness, take on Bodhichitta, and engage in vast actions for that end, we ourselves can bring happiness and benefit to many beings, who are like Buddhas, and we can pull many beings out of the ocean of suffering. Thus I would like to ask you to take this Monlam as the cause of making as great aspirations and shouldering as much Bodhichitta as you can.”
Ordained Participants and Guests included:
- Ringu Tulku Rinpoche
- Resident Lamas and Director of Kamalashila Institute:
- Acharya lama Sonam Ragbye
- Acharya lama Kelzang Wangdi
- Umdze Khenpo Chökyi from Karma Lekshe Ling, Kathmandu, Nepal
- Choepon Lama Sangye from Pachen Choling Monastery, Sikkim, India
- Lamas from Benchen Phuntsok Dargyeling, Kathmandu, Nepal:
- Khenpo Sonam Gyurme
- Dorje Lopon Tsultrim Rabten
- Lama Gelek
- Umdze Gyurme
- Khenpo Migmar from Karma Lekshe Ling, Kathmandu, Nepal
- Resident lamas of Retreat centres and regional centres of HH 17th Karmapa:
- Lama Kunga Dorje from Halscheid Centre
- Lama Dorji from Kopenhagen Centre, Denmark
- Lama Dawa from Hamburg Centre
- Getsunma Ani Kelzang from Bremen
- Getsunma Tändsin T. Karuna from Aachen
- Lay Lamas: Dorothea Nett, Reinhard Türck, Yesche Udo Regel
German culture also contributed with performances by an Apen Horn ensemble and a church choir from Mayen singing songs celebrating peace, the beauty of nature and ending with a beautiful irish blessing for everyone there.
The Lamas then sang the Sweet Melody of Joyful Aspiration, composed by H. H. XVII Karmapa and accompanied by drums, conch shells and cymbals. This was followed by Lamas chanting the Meditation and Recitation of Chenrezig (the Great Compassionate One) for All-Pervading Benefit of All Beings.
Everyone held a candle and sang the Lamp Prayer (Marme Monlam), singing in Tibetan and German and accompanied by piano.
All in all, there were about 90 participants - members of the KKG board, honorable guests and volunteers included. After three days of chanted and recited prayers the Marme Mönlam, took place outside at the stupa despite the cold and windy weather. It was open to neighbours and interested visitors from the surrounding area. In total, we counted about 200-250 people during the Marme Mönlam.
Apart from our regular system of shared work regarding dishwashing and cafeteria-services in the house, a lot of participants gave us a helping hand to get the enormous amount of work done, e.g.
- Oral translation of the teachings
- shuttles to airports and railway stations for the invited Lamas and guests,
- special Lama service during the meals,
- musical performances,
- technical equipment and support, photos and recordings,
- arrangements of furniture, chairs etc. during the Monlam (especially the Marme Mönlam)
- shopping tours (e.g. for the Tsog Puja),
- medical care
- taking care of the guests
The organization and planning of the Mönlam, such as management, textual work (e.g. Lojong text, programmes and schedules), office work (e.g. registration), cleaning work, cooking, as well as the preparation of the Lhakhang and all other current work was done by the house staff and the resident Lamas.
Umdze Khenpo Chökyi, Choepon Lama Sangye and Choepon Phurpa Tsering from Pachen Choling Monastery in Sikkim, India arrived at Kamalashila Institute some weeks in advance and stayed there in order to do the necessary preparations for the Mönlam, such as Torma making, renovation works in the Lhakhang, (shrine hall).
This Monlam was dedicated to the longevity of H. H. Karmapa Orgyen Trinley Dorje and all Masters and also to bring peace throughout the world.
2nd French Kagyu Monlam 2014
Date: 19 to 21st April, 2014 ( Sat, Sun and Monday)Venue: La Grande Pagode de Vincenne, Route de la ceinture du lac Daumesnil, Paris 12eme
Presiding Master: Venerable Ringu Tulku Rinpoche
Email: kagyumeunlamfrance@gmail.com
Organizer: Kagyu Monlam France
Website: www.kagyumeunlamfrance.org
5th Kagyu Monlam Poland 2014
Date: July 18 – 20, 2014Venue: Benchen Karma Kamtsang Centre in Grabnik, Poland
Presiding Master: Venerable Sangter Tulku Rinpoche
Organizer: Benchen Karma Kamtsang Buddhist Association
Address: Grabnik 4, 96-313 Jaktorow, Poland
Tel: +48 663 136 204; +48 22 211 37 51
Email: office@benchen.org.pl ; biuro@buddyzm.eu
Website: www.benchen.org.pl/en/
Facebook: Benchen Karma Kamtsang Poland
Contact Persons: Lama Rinczen, +48 601 303 153
4th Germany Kagyu Monlam 2014
Date: August 28 to 31, 2014Venue: Kamalashila Institute, Germany.
Presiding Master: Dikung Gyalse Rinpoche( Bötrulku Rinpoche)
Organizer: Kamalashila Institute
Address: Kamalashila Institute, Kirchstr. 22a,
D-567 29 Langenfeld, Germany.
Telephone: 0049 2655 939040
Email: horst.rauprich@t-online.de
Website: www.kamalashila.de
Contact Person: President Horst Rauprich
3rd Germany Kagyu Monlam 2013
Date: September 20-22, 2013Venue: Kamalashila Institute®, Eifel Monastery, Kirchstr. 22a, 56729 Langenfeld, GERMANY
Presiding Master: His Eminence Sangye Nyenpa Rinpoche
Organizer: Karma Kagyu Community Germany
Email: office@kamalashila.de
Website: www.kamalashila.de
Contact:
Office: phone +49 (0)2655-939040 fax +49 (0)2655-939041
Lama Kelzang Wangdi: +49 (0)2655-939045
4th Poland Kagyu Monlam 2013
Dates: 6-8 July, 2013Venue: Benchen Karma Kamtsang Centre, Grabnik 4, 96-313 Jaktorow, Poland
Presiding Master: His Eminence Sangye Nyenpa Rinpoche and Sangter Tulku Rinpoche
Organizer: Benchen Karma Kamtsang Buddhist Association in Poland
Grabnik 4, 96-313 Jaktorow, Poland
Email: office@benchen.org.pl
Website: www.benchen.org.pl
Contact:
Office: +48 663 136 204 or +48 22 211 37 51
Lama Rinchen: +48 601 303153
1st France Kagyu Monlam 2012
Date: April 7-9, 2012Organizer: Karma Ling Institute
Address: Hameau de St Hugon, 73110 Arvillard (Savoie), France
Website: www.rimay.net
Tel : +334 79 25 78 00
Contact Persons: umdze and chöpön :
Email: lcheudroup@rimay.net
Tel : +33 479 25 73 00
2nd Germany Kagyu Monlam 2012
Date: June 28 to July 1, 2012Venue: Kamalashila Institute
Website: http://www.kamalashila.de
3rd Poland Kagyu Monlam 2012
Date: September 7-9, 2012Venue: Benchen Karma Kamtsang Ling Poland, Grabnik 4; 96-313 Jaktorow; Poland
Organizer: Benchen Karma Kamtsang Buddhist Association in Poland
Email: office@benchen.org.pl
Website:www.benchen.org.pl
Tel: +48 22 2113751
Fax:+48 22 2113752
Contact Person: Lama Rinchen mobile +48 601 303153
1st Poland Kagyu Monlam 2010
Date: Jun 9, 10, 11, 2010
Venue: Benchen Karma Kamtsang Centre in Grabnik, Poland
Address: Grabnik 4; 96-313 Jaktorow; Poland
Presiding master: The Very Venerable Kyabje Tenga Rinpoche
Organizer: Benchen Karma Kamtsang Centre in Grabnik, Poland
Tel: +48 22 211 37 51
Fax: +48 22 211 37 52
Website: www.benchen.org.pl ; www.kagyumonlam.pl
e-mail: benchen@benchen.org.pl , grabnik@buddyzm.eu
main organizer: Lama Rinchen lamarin@benchen.org.pl , phone: +48 601 303153