A Prayer Festival for peace and well-being

Kagyu Monlams are taking place in more and more countries around the world. This is a heartfelt wish of H.H. the 17th Karmapa, Orgyen Trinley Dorje, who has been responsible for the Kagyu Monlam in Bodhgaya since 2004.

These recordings are the daily teachings at the 2023 German Monlam which took place in Bodhicharya Berlin every day from 9am – 10:30am UTC.

Rinpoche taught in English with simultaneous translations into other languages on zoom (see below).

A SUMMARY 
by Maggy Jones

Part 1

Explanation of “Monlam”. This Monlam will include prayers from other Buddhist traditions and how we can all use these prayers in our life. They are a wish we make from our hearts for the welfare of all beings. The more people praying together, the stronger the prayer. Always start with Refuge and Bodhicitta and end with dedication of merit. What is “Pureland”? The text explains but note cultural origins. Story of invocation. Prostrations (1^st branch of 7 branch prayer) to show your respect. Respect also includes families and friends and the customs of other cultures. Sometimes it is necessary to understand. Black cat story of how a custom can become a ritual without understanding,  Prayers.  Different offerings.

Part 2

Prayers for the dead – try to transfer them to the Purelands. Make smoke offerings. The practice of the 16 Arhats. Explanation. This is always recited at the passing of a great master. Wishing prayers can go wrong – story.

Recite the 7 Branch Prayer. Prostrate; make offerings. Offerings (2^nd  branch)  can be many things and include offers of help; they will all bring benefit to beings. Ask what is the best way you can help – not “what should a Buddhist do?”. Do the best of your ability then improve yourself. Story of Anathapindika training for generosity. Purification (confession) (3rd ) branch) acknowledge your wrong-doing and negative emotions which lead to all troubles. Rejoice (4th) – in the great masters, our opportunities and in all benefits. Work together and share the benefits. It is the opposite of envy.

Part 3

Offerings to all the Lamas and Great Masters for those who have died and for general health and well-being. Offerings bring accumulation of merit and generation of wisdom. We all need kindness so pray for this for all beings and for harmony and peace. Why do we fight? Our negative emotions are too strong; revenge can continue for generations. Forgiving is the noblest purification. Rejoice (4^th of 7 branch prayer) when you see something good happening. “Request for teaching” (5^th) means a wish to learn. Study, question and try to understand everything even small every-day things. Request that the Great Beings live long (6^h ). The more we appreciate them, the more likely we are to follow their example. Story of pure love and giving. Trust carefully and pray the influence of the great masters remains. A Dedication (7^th ) will create a positive result, and help all beings to achieve enlightenment; add your own wishing-prayers.     Dedication prayers for the Monlam

Translations

Audio translation files are below.

For more information, visit: https://bodhicharya.de/termine/kagyu-moenlam-deutschland-gebete-fuer-frieden-in-der-welt-september2023/