A powerful wave of prayer for global harmony has descended upon Bodh Gaya, as the sacred 10-day Sakya Monlam ceremony commenced on Thursday. This great prayer gathering of the Buddhist Sangha has drawn a devout congregation of more than 1000 followers, with significant participation from the Tibetan community and the north-eastern states of India.
Spiritual Aspirations Under the Sacred Bodhi Tree
The hallowed grounds of the Mahabodhi Mahavihara campus provided the serene backdrop for the event's opening day. Devotees assembled under the historic Bodhi tree to offer special prayers dedicated to universal peace and harmony. The term "Monlam" itself translates to aspiration or prayer, and this ceremony is profoundly focused on generating vast, compassionate wishes for the spiritual welfare of all living beings.
Leadership and Traditional Welcomes
The spiritual proceedings were led by the 41st Kyabgon Gongma Trichen Rinpoche, the revered spiritual leader of the Sakya school of Tibetan Buddhism. The distinguished lama was formally welcomed by representatives of the Bodh Gaya Temple Management Committee (BTMC). The welcoming party included chief monk Bhikkhu Chalinda, Sakya Monlam Foundation vice-president Athin Ji, administrative coordinator Tenzin Pema, along with monks Bhante Deenanand and Bhante Manoj. In a traditional gesture of respect, they presented the Rinpoche with a 'Khada', a pious cloth of great significance in Buddhist culture.
According to a press note released by the BTMC office, the collective recitation of sacred texts and prayers by monks, nuns, and lay practitioners is believed to greatly magnify the power of these shared aspirations. The ceremony, which began on Thursday, is scheduled to continue its spiritual journey and will officially conclude on January 3.
The Significance of Collective Prayer
The Sakya Monlam holds deep spiritual importance in the Buddhist calendar. It serves as a potent reminder of the community's shared goals for compassion and global well-being. The gathering in Bodh Gaya, the very site of the Buddha's enlightenment, adds an extra layer of sanctity and power to the prayers being offered. The event underscores Bodh Gaya's enduring status as a premier global hub for Buddhist pilgrimage and spiritual practice, attracting followers from across the Himalayan region and beyond to unite in a common cause for peace.
