The twelfth Kagyu Monlam Poland took place from the 27th till the 29th of August 2021. Due to the pandemic, the same as last year, lamas and monks from Asia were not able to visit us. The limitations of people allowed to be in the centre still applied. However, remembering the words of His Eminence Sangye Nyenpa Rinpoche, who last year advised to continue the practice of Kagyu Monlam even if in a small group, we have maintained the tradition of annual prayers. The ceremonies were streamed live so that all who wished to, could join the common aspiration prayers.
The twelfth Kagyu Monlam Poland was led by Lama Rinchen.
In comparison to the previous and the first Monlam organised during the pandemic, this year the programme was much more elaborated. This time, the first session started before breakfast and included sojong vows. We were very fortunate to be able to watch His Holiness Karmapa’ online teachings in the afternoon, which were a part of His Holiness’ summer cycle of teachings on tantras. We gladly took this opportunity and listened together to the teachings of the Head of our tradition. Therefore, the afternoon sessions of prayers were postponed to the evenings and the last session did not end, as usual before the supper, but around 8:00 pm. Thus, this year Monlam programme was more intense than so far.
Traditionally, on the first day, we had a solemn procession with a portrait of His Holiness Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje. After circumambulation of the temple the picture was placed on His Holinesses throne so that His Holiness could be ‘present’ during the celebration. Then Polish lamas offered a Mandala of Universe and the symbols of Awakened Body, Speech, Mind, Qualities and Activity to the Karmapa.
During the three days of this year Monlam, Lama Rinchen explained to the participants, in his short lectures, the meaning of ‘the Festival of Prayers’ – Kagyu Monlam. He clarified its structure and the meaning of its particular parts, which gave the opportunity to participate in the event with a deeper understanding. Also due to that reason, some of the prayers were first read by Lama Rinchen in Polish and then recited together in Tibetan.
It was also said during the explanations, that when we meet, practice and express aspiration prayers together in the temple in Grabnik, in a group among which there are monks, lamas and lay practitioners, especially in the presence of the great Buddha statue filled from the bottom to the top with sacred objects and consecrated by Drubwang Sangye Nyenpa Rinpoche, the power of fulfilling such prayers is much stronger.
The photos from the event can be viewed in our Gallery.
