|
|
An Invitation to the 2007 Kagyu Monlam in India
From Tim Olmsted July 30, 2006: A few weeks ago, the Ven. Mingyur Rinpoche suggested that it would be wonderful if a gathering of dharma friends would attend the Kagyu Monlam this winter. This is a wonderful idea, and we are inviting you to come along for what promises to be a most wonderful pilgrimage. The Kagyu Monlam brings together monks, nuns and lay people in a ceremony of prayer dedicated to world peace and harmony. Kagyu Monlam is held each year at the Mahabodhi stupa in Bodhgaya where the Buddha attained enlightenment. Monlam, is held during the 8th-15th days of the 11th month of the Tibetan calendar (December 27, 2006 - January 3, 2007) This year's ceremony will conclude with the opening of the Tergar Institute. Built under the guidance of Mingyur Rinpoche, the Tergar Institute is a major institution dedicated to the study and propagation of the Buddha's teachings for students from around the world. In addition to attending the Monlam together, we will receive teachings, empowerments, and a private audience with H. H. the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, Orgyen Trinley Dorje. We will be staying together in a lovely hotel in Bodhgaya, and will have the chance to take side trips to nearby pilgrimage places such as Nalanda and Vulture Peak Mountain (where the Buddha taught The Heart Sutra). You will be asked to make your own arrangements to get to Bodhgaya (I can help you find good tickets). The costs of the stay in Bodhgaya will be shared by those of us in the party. Mingyur Rinpoche has asked that we try to generate an offering for the monastics and the poor people in the area. Flights to and from India are filling up quickly. I think that reservations should be made in the next few weeks at the latest. I'm not certain about this, but that's what I hear from my travel connections This will be a wonderful journey and I invite any of you to join in. You can learn more about the Kagyu Monlam at www.kagyumonlam.org. For more information feel free to contact me at any time.
|
