Zurmang Kagyu Monlam
The Zurmang Kagyu Monlam (Great Non-Sectarian Prayer Festival) begins on July 31. Bardor Tulku Rinpoche is one of the sponsors. The prayer festival will last for five days. Lama Tashi Topgyal will be attend as Bardor Rinpoche’s representative.
Bardor Rinpoche’s Letter
Below is Rinpoche’s letter to Zurmang Monastery on the occasion of the monlam. PDFs of the English and Tibetan versions can be viewed here: English Version; Tibetan Version.
Om Svasti.
In the sky of pure and unwavering devotion, all of the compassionate ones immutably arise. I pay homage to the incomparable guide, Rigpe Dorje, the lord of dharma who causes faith to increase in everyone. His three aspects are clothed in saffron robes and he possesses the glorious omniscience over all beings. I pay homage and circumambulate the many Buddhist monks, the protectors of the power of the merciful Buddha Shakyamuni.
The dharma lineage of the Mase tradition (Zurmang Kagyu) is like the unblemished calm and smooth flow of a river. The excellent objects of refuge continue to protect and guide sentient beings indiscriminately in order to dispel their suffering. Having first offered these verses of homage, I greet the glorious seat of Zurmang Kagyu, Pal Tashi Zurmang Lhundrup Ling, which is hosting the great nonsectarian prayer festival. May the general collection of the Buddha’s teachings, and the precious Dakpo Kagyu teachings continue to progress and may any degenerations be restored. Moreover, wherever there abides beings who hold the teachings, may their well-being increase without exception and may their lotus feet remain stable along with the fulfillment of the enlightened activity of the excellent assembly of the protectors of the teachings and beings.
Also, in this world system may the age of illness, famine and war be pacified, and may it have the abundance and wealth of the heavens. May I and all and those who follow the dharma experience the supreme splendor of temporary and ultimate happiness. Especially, may the karmic obscurations be purified and advancement towards buddhahood increase for those who are members of the Chagbar and Dzila families, and the relatives of Bardor Tulku, as well as close relatives who have passed away and those with and without connections whether alive or deceased. May those living and those home and abroad, monastics and students, and the common people be free of sickness, have long lives and accomplish their dharmic activities.
May the activities of the protectors of the teachings at home and abroad have no obstacles and be accomplished. In Nepal that suddenly underwent calamity, and other affected regions, may those whose four elements were harmed and thus passed away experience no obstacles on their path towards buddhahood, and in their future lives may they progress forward. May all those remaining pacify each obstacle in tum, and may they be granted an abundance of wealth that is sufficient to meet their aspirations perfectly. May this be known. May this be known. May this be known.
This was written by, I, the one with the name Bardor Tulku in New York, USA.
Donations
Donations will be accepted until July 31 and can be made at:
https://www.kunzang.org/membership/general-fund/
Please indicate Zurmang Kagyu Monlam in the PayPal notes section.
Bardor Rinpoche deeply appreciates all those who have contributed to this auspicious event.
More on the Monlam and Bardor Rinpoche’s Connection to Zurmang
The 5-day Zurmang Kagyu Monlam (aspiration prayer festival) at Zurmang Namgyal Tse Monastery is a gathering of ordained monks, nuns, and laypeople for the purpose of reciting various prayers. The prayers are for the dispelling obstacles, the flourishing of dharma, protection of the environment, the happiness of all sentient beings, and the long-life of holy teachers. It is said that when these prayers are recited in a group with vast intentions — along with the intentions of the supporters who make the monlam possible by their financial contributions and hard work — the merit accumulated is immeasurable.
This particular monlam marks the reestablishment of the monlam tradition at Zurmang Monastery since its interruption by the Communist Cultural Revolution. This is truly a momentous occasion for the dharma community, far and wide, and a large gathering is expected to attend. Zurmang Monastery is the seat of H.E. Zurmang Gharwang Rinpoche, which is in Kham, eastern Tibet.
Bardor Rinpoche’s biological family and H.E. Zurmang Gharwang Rinpoche’s incarnations have a 200-year-old history. Bardor Rinpoche’s lineage predecessors and H.E. Zurmang Gharwang Rinpoche’s incarnations have over a hundred year connection as well. In fact, Terchen Barway Dorje, the first Bardor Rinpoche, was recognized as tulku Shartse Rinpoche of Zurmang at Zurmang Monastery.
H.E. Zurmang Gharwang Rinpoche was recognized as the twelfth incarnation by the 16th Gyalwang Karmapa. The unbroken line of the Gharwang lineage dates back to the 14th century. There first Gharwang Rinpoche was identified by the Fifth Gyalwang Karmapa, Deshin Shegpa (1384-1415), as the emanation of the Indian mahasiddha Tilopa.
Photos of Zurmang Kagyu Monlam 2015