History of the Kagyud Mönlam France
The annual event “Kagyud Mönlam France” draws its roots from the renewed tradition of the Kagyu Mönlam Chenmo, originally established in Tibet, in late 15th century by the 7th Gyalwang Karmapa, His Holiness Chödrak Gyamtso.
In 1983, this tradition was revived at the Stupa of Both-Gaya in Bihar, India, by the late Very Venerable Kalu Rinpoché, and was successfully perpetuated through the support of Venerable Bokar Rinpoché. These two figures, played a decisive role by transmitting the Dharma in France, paving the way for the current annual prayer festival.
With the arrival of His Holiness Tsurphu Karmapa, Orgyen Trinley Dorje, in exile in India, the Mönlam gained tremendous impetus. While nurturing the establishment of what would become one of the largest annual Tibetan Buddhist prayer and ordained sangha gatherings, His Holiness revived the “Great Encampment” tradition held by the Karmapas in Tibet.
Lama Karma Chödrak, a disciple of the late Kalu Rinpoche, was entrusted by His Holiness to organize the international expansion of the Kagyu Mönlam Chenmo, establishing it in many countries around the world.
In France, the deep connections with the late Kalu and Bokar Rinpochés inspired the French sangha to uphold this tradition. Thanks to the support of Lama Gyumed, and a devoted group of Vietnamese practitioners and former disciples, this enduring heritage was maintained at the Grande Pagoda in Vincennes, Paris.
The significance of this contribution brought those involved to become French representatives of the congregation of Palpung SHERAB LING, the seat of His Holiness Kenting Taï Situpa in India—thus reinforcing France’s connection with the great Kagyu lineage initiated in Tibet by Marpa Lotsawa.
This year, Lama Sangyay Tendzin, hosts the French Kagyü Mönlam in celebration of the 25th anniversary of THEG-CHOG NORBU LING®, a Karma Kagyü retreat sanctuary established by him under the benevolence of His Holiness Karmapa, who named it in 1997.
At this occasion, Lama invited the Venerable Drubpön Dechen Rinpoche to preside the event. Everyone concerned with universal peace and wishing to dedicate time to recite the profound aspiration prayers of the Kagyü Mönlam, is cordially invited to this event.
Situated in a remote forest area on the High plateau of the Corbières in Aude, the location is away from the turmoil of large cities. It is ideal for meditation retreat.
