North American Kagyu Monlam 2012
The Kagyu Monlam originated with the 7th Karmapa, and for many generations this prayer festival was held in Tibet. After the Chinese invasion, the tradition was carried on by His Eminence Kalu Rinpoche in Bodghaya, India. After Kalu Rinpoche passed away, Bokar Rinpoche continued the Kagyu Monlam tradition. With the arrival of His Holiness the Karmapa, Orgyen Trinley Dorje in India in 2000, the Kagyu Monlam greatly expanded. Due to the inspiration and blessings of the 17th Karmapa, Kagyu Monlam became known throughout the world. In the United States, the first Kagyu Monlam was held in Woodstock, New York at KTD, the North American seat of His Holiness the 17th Karmapa. Khenpo Kartor Rinpoche, Lama Norlha Rinpoche and Tenzing Chonyi and all the community worked hard. This first North American Kagyu Monlam, held in 2010, was truly beautiful. The monlam was led by His Eminence Thrangu Rinpoche, who also gave empowerments and teachings. Rinpoches, Lamas, nuns and monks arrived from all around the continent to participate in this wonderful event.
The location for the second Kagyu Monlam was Vancouver, Canada. Held in 2011, the festival was sponsored by the Karma Kagyu Association of Canada, who worked tirelessly to make the Kagyu Monlam succeed. The site for this monlam was Thrangu Monastery. Lama Pema supervised the event, the rest of the lamas being under his direction. What they accomplished was quite amazing. The festival began with the first Karmapa's 900 year anniversary, followed by three days of the Monlam. Many Chinese and Westerners participated, as well as numerous Rinpoches, Lamas, nuns and monks from all over North America. On the last day, they celebrated His Holiness' Karmapa Orgyen Trinley Dorje's birthday. Again, this Kagyu Monlam was headed by His Eminence Thrangu Rinpoche, who also gave empowerments and teachings.
At the conclusion of the 2011 Kagyu Monlam, Lama Lodu Rinpoche was requested to lead the 2012 North America Kagyu Monlam. Rinpoche accepted and immediately organized meetings and invited the Karma Kagyu sangha in California to help. The committee has begun to plan and prepare for this event, but we are just beginning and need help from all the devotees of the Karmapa, especially the Karma Kagyu Dharma centers. This auspicious festival is a joint venture and we ask for everyone’s support. We are now about to hold the third meeting. This Kagyu Monlam will expand the enlightened activity of His Holiness the 17th Karmapa and the Kagyu lineage. By helping realize His Holiness’ vision, one is offering devotion to one's root guru and accumulating great merit and purification. With harmony and one-pointed determination we will accomplish this goal. Please help with a donation. By supporting the 2012 Kagyu Monlam, you can merge with the enlightened activity of His Holiness the Karmapa.
The website address is: http://www.californiakagyumonlam.org
