Kagyu Monlam 2018: the story so far (photos)

Thaye Dorje, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, is presiding over the 2018 Kagyu Monlam in Bodh Gaya, in India’s north-east Bihar state. Karmapa has been leading the aspiration prayers since 1996, accompanied by other Buddhist lamas.

The Kagyu Monlam is the most significant event for Karma Kagyu practitioners around the world, as thousands of students, monks, nuns, and other venerables come together to offer aspiration prayers for the benefit of all sentient beings. The setting for this auspicious event is, of course, Bodh Gaya, where the historical Buddha attained enlightenment.

Before the start of the Kagyu Monlam, the Fourth International Karma Kagyu Meeting took place, providing an important global platform to discuss issues related to preserving and strengthening the lineage.

On the first day of the Kagyu Monlam, Karmapa takes his throne under the shade of the Bodhi Tree, and leads prayers, including the ‘King of Aspiration Prayers’ or ‘Samantabhadra Wishing Prayer’.

Please enjoy a sample of photos from Bodh Gaya, including Karmapa’s pilgrimage to the site of the ancient Buddhist University of Nalanda.

11 December 2018 The Fourth International Karma Kagyu Meeting, Day 1
12 December 2018 The Fourth International Karma Kagyu Meeting, Day 2
13 December 2018 The Fourth International Karma Kagyu Meeting, Day 3
14 December 2018 Karmapa Arrives at Airport for Kagyu Monlam 2018
14 December 2018 Visit to Bodhi Tree School
14 December 2018 Karmapa Arrives At Karma Temple in Bodh Gaya
15 December 2018 Final Session of The Fourth International Karma Kagyu Meeting
15 December 2018 Thaye Dorje, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa meets Lama Jampa Thaye
15 December 2018 Thaye Dorje, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa meets Sandy and Chris Yen
16 December 2018 The First Day of The Kagyu Monlam 2018
16 December 2018 Karmapa Gives Audiences To Sanghas And Devotees
17 December 2018 Pilgrimage to the Site of the Ancient Buddhist University of Nalanda