For 25 years the Kagyu lineage masters have assembled a monlam, a prayer gathering of dedication and aspiration, around the Bodhi tree where Shakyamuni Buddha attained his enlightenment. Robin and I were blessed to attend, arriving on Full Moon and present for the Medicine Buddha empowerment and teachings.
In the Buddha’s Footsteps
2,500 years ago Prince Siddartha sat under a Bodhi tree in Gaya, India and attained enlightenment.
This temple was built to commemorate that achievement, to provide a place of devotion and aspiration for all spiritual seekers.
The Bodhi Tree where Shakyamuni buddha overcame the dance of illusion and established his mind in it’s enlightened nature
We were in Boudhagaya to attend the Kagyu Monlam. This symbol has a wealth of inner meaning based on the 16th Karmapa’s Dream flag of peace and serenity
The symbol was created by HH the 17th Karmapa who was officiating at the ceremonies. The inspiration behind the symbol was HH’s relationship to the natural elements.
He said that our care of the earth must reflect her generosity to us, like a hand in a hand, interconnected. It is a symbol of protection....as we are protected so we too should protect the earth.
There were over 6000 people from all over the world attending the prayer festival.
This section was reserved for prostrations. It was always full and active.
Flower offerings were everywhere. The grounds around the stupa are filled with different kinds of carvings, stupas....
The best part of the monlam was people watching. Wonderful, fascinating folk from all over
This young fellow found his own tree to dream under
This pond has enormous fish in it.
Every where people found their little corner for private devotions
Hindus consider Shakyamuni Buddha to be one of the 10 Avatars of Vishnu
This swami was happy to receive dana from this devoted Tibetan woman.
Prayer wheels spinning
A mandala of precious gems
Offering of Incense
Offering of meditation
Offering of devotion
One of the hidden secrets of Boudhgaya, this Tara Shrine is just before you enter the main shrine. Nondescript, I have passed it countless times never imagining what I sought was here
This was the Tara Image that spoke to Atisha when he was trying to decide whether to go to Tibet or not. Tara told him it would shorten his life but it would benefit countless beings. He went.
It is such a simple place, we had much time to sit alone and appreciate the grace and good fortune that we could be in this sacred place at this sacred time.
Offerings of flowers
Offerings of Incense, candles and amethyst lotuses
The Japanese saffron bath for the baby Buddha.
And then there were the offerings of tormas. These ritual “cakes” are made of flour and butter. 50 people worked for three months on these spectacular tormas
The pure land of Akshobya. This Buddha helps to purify very negative experiences. The Karmapa asked especially that this torma be built.
Milarepa
Marpa
Auspicious symbols
Auspicious symbols
We arrived on full moon, a time when prayers are multiplied 100, 000 times. May all who see these pictures of this sacred gathering be blessed 100, 000 times with complete liberation
