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Ever since His Holiness the 17th Karmapa came into exile in India, he has strongly stressed the importance of holding the grand Kagyu Monlam, not only in Bodhgaya, India where it takes place annually, but also in countries all over world. Rigpe Dorje Centre (Montreal) was very honored and privileged to host this auspicious event for the first time in Canada.

The main purpose of the Kagyu Monlam is to uphold the Buddha Dharma firmly for the benefit of all sentient beings.

As is said in the King of Aspiration Prayer,

"Sentient beings extend
As long as the limits of space;
May my aspiration prayers extend
As far as the limits of their Karma and Kleshas"

The prayers have the strength to bless the country -- in fact, the whole world which is nowadays facing serious climatic problems and conflicts among peoples and nations.

Fulfilling the wishes of His Holiness the 17th Karmapa and other lineage masters contributes to their long life and to the continuous turning of the Wheel of Dharma.

Anyone who has the opportunity to participate in and rejoice about such an auspicious event will strengthen their spiritual practice, and even sow a seed of connection to a genuine spiritual path.

Canada’s First Kagyu Monlam
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
June 2010

Presented by the Karma Kagyu Association of Canada, and hosted by the Rigpe Dorje Centre, it was very special to have the first Kagyu Monlam in Canada at His Eminence the 3rd Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche's very first centre. The 100 participants cheered at when it was over with joy and appreciation for the inspiration and energy they all felt at the end. In fact, the atmosphere was magical with the activities of so many Lamas all together from across the country -- and so warm among all the participants many of whom helped to make it all happen so successfully. It was a real team effort under the guidance of Rigpe Dorje Centre's resident teacher, Lama Yeshi Losal.

The next Canadian Monlam is scheduled to take place in Vancouver next June.