The Kagyu Monlam Chenmo, or Great Kagyu Aspiration Prayers, is one of the most significant annual events in the Karma Kagyu tradition. It traces its origins to the 7th Karmapa, Chödrak Gyamtsho (1454–1506), who established this great gathering at Tsurphu Monastery in Tibet. It was conceived as an opportunity for the monastic community and lay practitioners to assemble in prayer, particularly reciting the Samantabhadra Aspiration Prayer, to generate immense merit and dedicate it for the benefit of all beings.

Following a long period of interruption, the Monlam tradition was revived in 1983 by Very Venerable Kalu Rinpoche (1905–1989) in Bodh Gaya, India, the sacred site of the Buddha’s enlightenment. After Kalu Rinpoche’s passing, Venerable Bokar Rinpoche (1940–2004) assumed responsibility for conducting the event, ensuring its continuity and spiritual integrity. A decade later, under the guidance of His Holiness the 17th Karmapa, Orgyen Trinley Dorje, Lama Karma Chödrak took on the task of managing and further developing the International Kagyu Monlam Organization, which has since expanded the festival’s reach to many countries worldwide.

Lama Sangyay Tendzin was graced to attend the very first Kagyu Monlam in Bodh Gaya in 1983, a deeply significant moment in his Dharma path. It is with great joy and deep gratitude that, he will be hosting The 11th French Kagyu Monlam at Theg-Chog Norbu Ling®, the Karma Kamtshang Dharma study and practice Centre he founded 25 years ago in Aude, France, under the auspicious blessings of the Gyalwang Karmapa, His Holiness Orgyen Trinley Dorje.

May this occasion - an expression of vast merit - bring boundless benefit to all beings in all realms of existence!