FRENCH KAGYU MÖNLAM 2025
THEG-CHOG NORBU LING® KARMA KAGYU MONASTERY
Dedicated to H. H. Orgyen Trinley Dorje, the 17th GYALWANG KARMAPA
Dear Friends,
Theg-Chog Norbu Ling® will be hosting the Kagyu Mönlam prayers this year. This is a significant and auspicious event. For this we will need to coordinate a series of tasks and count on your support to operate these, such as planning, sharing information, or supporting preparations.
Hosting the Kagyu Mönlam prayers is a truly auspicious and significant event, and I count on you to do your best to assist us.
As the tasks are vast and numerous, here are some suggestions and steps needed to start organizing this project. Due to the remoteness of our Centre, we count on a total of 100 to 150 participants. We will have already about 50 participants from the TNG Sangha including the participating Rinpoche, attendant, Umzäd and Chöpön.
You are most welcome to implement with your suggestions my personal ideas, which I am sharing you here in the following points describing areas of concerns:
- Tent Rental
- Requirements: A tent covering 150 square meters. Ensure it includes flooring, lighting, and ventilation, as these are critical for comfort during the prayers.
- Local Rental Services: I’ll research local and regional companies specializing in event tent rentals. This will ensure timely delivery and setup. Open to suggestions!
- Second-hand purchase: Research to be made.
- Sanitary Facilities
- Sanitary Container Rentals: Look for a rental provider offering containers with toilets and showers. Ensure these are designed for larger gatherings and comply with local health and safety regulations.
- Placement: Position the additional sanitary facilities conveniently but discretely to maintain the retreat’s serene atmosphere. -> in Parking Area near new gate to be installed.
- Accommodation Overflow
- Nearby Options: Identify nearby hotels, guesthouses, or Airbnbs for overflow attendees. Provide a list with contact details for participants. -> Ani Dawa.
- Transport: Arrange shuttle between these accommodations and TNG?
- Event Planning
- Communication: Create an information package for attendees, including schedules, logistics, and guidelines.
- Team Roles: Delegate roles among your community to manage key aspects like welcoming guests, logistics, and coordination with external vendors.
- Coordination with International Kagyud Monlam Organisation: Ensure clear communication with them for ceremonial protocols, texts, and coordination of the presiding Lama's schedule. On-going with Wha’sApp Europe Kagyu Monlam Group
- Networking & Support
- Volunteers: Seek volunteers from nearby Dharma communities to help with logistics.
- Local Authorities: Inform local authorities about the event for any permits or special assistance.
- Suppliers: Establish relationships with reliable caterers and service providers for meals and facilities.
Immediate Actions
Organizing the Kagyu Mönlam prayers at Theg-Chog Norbu Ling® (TNG-Centre®) in Fourtou, Aude, especially given its remote riverside and forested location constitutes a series of unique challenges for which the resident sangha counts on your support.
To assist you gathering further information, I've focused on identifying local suppliers who can provide the necessary tent and sanitary facilities for our event. Please make contact and receive their proposals and availability for the dates 18 to 24 (one week rental)
Tent Rental Services
For a tent covering approximately 200 square meters to accommodate 100-150 attendees, consider the following local providers:
Carcassonne, France
Specializes in event equipment rentals, including large tents suitable for gatherings. Proximity to Fourtou ensures familiarity with the region's logistics.
Narbonne, France
Offers a variety of tent sizes for events, with experience in setting up in diverse terrains, ensuring suitability for your forested riverside location.
Perpignan, France
Provides tent rentals and event solutions, with a range of options that can be tailored to your specific needs.
Considerations:
- Advance Booking: Given the scale of your event, it's advisable to contact these providers well in advance to ensure availability and to discuss specific requirements, including delivery and setup logistics in Fourtou.
- Site Inspection: Arrange for a site visit with the chosen provider to assess the terrain and determine the best setup approach, considering the forested riverside environment.
Sanitary Facility Rentals
To supplement your existing amenities with additional toilets and showers, consider the following local suppliers:
Carcassonne, France
Offers rental of sanitary facilities, including portable toilets and shower units, suitable for events of various sizes.
Narbonne, France
Provides a range of sanitary solutions, including containers equipped with multiple toilets and showers, ideal for large gatherings.
Perpignan, France
Specializes in sanitary equipment rentals, offering units that can be adapted to the specific needs of your event.
Considerations:
- Capacity Planning: Ensure the additional facilities can handle peak usage times during the event.
- Waste Management: Coordinate with the rental company regarding waste disposal services to maintain hygiene standards.
Nearby Accommodations
For attendees beyond your on-site capacity, consider the following nearby lodging options:
Fourtou, France
A local guesthouse offering comfortable accommodations, ideal for attendees seeking proximity to the event.
Espezel, France
A charming inn located within a reasonable distance, providing rooms and local cuisine.
Campagne-sur-Aude, France
Offers comfortable rooms and amenities, suitable for guests attending events in the region.
Considerations:
- Transportation: Organize shuttle services between these accommodations and TNG-Centre® to facilitate attendee movement.
- Advance Reservations: Encourage attendees to book accommodations early due to limited availability in rural areas.
Additional Recommendations
- Event Promotion: Utilize digital platforms and local networks to disseminate information about the event, ensuring potential attendees are well-informed.
- Volunteer Coordination: Recruit volunteers to assist with logistics, hospitality, and other event-related tasks to ensure smooth operations.
- Emergency Preparedness: Develop contingency plans for medical emergencies, inclement weather, and other unforeseen circumstances to safeguard the well-being of all participants.
By addressing these logistical aspects diligently, we will create a conducive environment for a successful and spiritually enriching Kagyu Meunlam prayer event.
Should you require further assistance or additional information, please feel free to contact me personally.
Wishing you to focus on Bodhicitta all the way through these preparations
Lama Sangyay Tendzin
