About taklung kagyu monlam chenmo

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Now that we have all attained the unobtainable opportunities and resources of a precious human existence, so that the preservation and protection of the doctrine of the glorious Taklung Kagyu may expand in the future, we provide this information for those with faith in the holy great doctrine holders, all ordained and lay people, who wish to come to the First Vast Aspiration (Monlam Chenmo).

For all fortunate and discerning ones, this time is not meaningless, but is an excellent opportunity to gather the accumulations, purify obscurations, and accomplish a vast measure of the roots of virtue. Since this is a wonderful chance to complete the two accumulations, working diligently right now in gathering the accumulations is very important.

These Dharma Lineage holders of the innermost essence of Buddha’s long tradition, the Kagyu Lineage, the refuge of beings, the single Lord of Conquerors of the Taklung Kagyu have, from Lord Marpa Lotsawa on down, been principal keepers of the Dakpo Kagyu doctrine with a history dating back 883 years.

The guru forefathers of the Taklung Kagyu overcame a hundred difficulties for the benefit of beings to provide clear teachings on the profound doctrines of Secret Mantra of all the panditas and siddhas of the Holy Land of India. From this overflowing distilled essence of the precious instruction, the Four Jewels and so on, a great holy treasury was gathered and spread everywhere.

Since the great Guide of the Four Immeasurables, the compassionate Teacher, took birth in the supreme place of Lumbini, the doctrine of the incomparable Glorious Taklung Kagyu generally, and particularly the doctrine of the Essential Ultimate Lineage, caused the profound dharma of the Four Jewels to spread everywhere forever, this First International Monlam Chenmo is being established there in order to pacify all sickness and famine that arise from the perishable elements, and war, disturbances, and so on, all unhappy bad conditions, and so that all beings may conduct themselves toward happiness, well-being, and perfect prosperity.

If you are able to make a contribution by participating together, the result in this lifetime will be the accomplishment of all aims, and the result in future lives will be the higher realms and definitive attainment of the state of liberation

As is said in the Sutra of the Question of Bodhisattva Sagarmati:

Just as a single drop of water cast in the ocean

Is not lost until the ocean dries up

In that way, virtue dedicated to enlightenment

Is not exhausted until enlightenment is attained.

According to these words, even a small accumulation of merit can never be lost if it’s dedicated to universal enlightenment. All roots of virtue so dedicated will not be used up until enlightenment is attained. As it says that even a tiny root of virtue can produce a great result if blended with Bodhicitta, if a Bodhisattva accumulates even a small root of virtue and dedicates it to enlightenment, a vast result will arise and will not be exhausted until enlightenment is attained.

As was said by Lord Marpa:

This accumulation of merit is gathering an ocean.

If a pure aspiration is sealed, the result becomes a wish fulfilling jewel.

As this says, by contributing to and participating in this Vast Aspiration, the aims of this life will be accomplished just as conceived, and in the future, the result is the higher realms and practical attainment of the state of liberation, it is said.

Also, Lord Milarepa said:

The great meditator staying in the mountains

And the patron who provides food

Are joined to attain enlightenment together

The essence of this connection is dedication.

As this says, the hermit practicing in a mountain retreat obtains positive conditions through his generous patron, and both of them accumulate the roots of virtue. By dedicating those roots of virtue, both are assured of attaining Buddhahood.

In brief, by the power of dedication, the meditator and the patron both attain Buddhahood together. Since this dependent connection is the key point here, at the time of the Monlam, a list will be provided of those reciting prayers, the sangha of high lamas and ordained practitioners, and the patrons, to introduce them to the participating public, during the planned offerings of the supports of Enlightened Body, Speech and Mind, accompanied by vast heartfelt prayers.

Thus, through all the faithful ordained and lay practitioners joining together at this Monlam Chenmo to recite as many prayers as possible, we fervently hope that this fortunate opportunity will be meaningful and that all our qualities of virtue, happiness and benefit will vastly increase.

Offered by the Lords of Refuge of the Glorious Taklungpas, and the Taklung Kagyu International Monlam Chenmo General Committee, on January 6, 2025.