Amongst the rows of robes, the light pouring in from above with misty rays of sunlight drifting through the leaves, a cool dew upon the earth as the drone of prayers echo through the statues and scattered monuments - there is a sense of antiquity and tradition in the air, fresh and reviving, a reminder that what is happening now has happened many times before - for in this very spot under the Tree of Enlightenment, the Kagyu Monlam, as it has for generations, is in full swing. Each year for seven days the world’s Dharma community comes together, to practice and pray, to join in celebration in Bodh Gaya, led by His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa and our esteemed lamas and Rinpoches, monks and nuns from all over the globe.
Archive note: This story originally accompanied a free print-quality download. The original download link is not included in this archive; the selected photographs remain below.
For the lay alike, this is a monumental and joyous occasion, as many venture from the farthest corners of the globe to come, be present, and to participate in the Grand Kagyu Monlam. This year is very special - perhaps more so than in previous years, as this is the first year where Shamar Rinpoche, the 14th Red Hat Lama is no longer reigning on his throne, and has left this physical world. His throne, however, stands fast and strong, directly in front of the shrine, with his photo in his place staring up at the tree, a symbol of his presence that brings tears to my eyes, as well as deep feelings of joy for having known Shamarpa in this life; to have shared my world with him was the greatest gift I could have ever received.
Standing by his side, as always, is the Karmapa. Upon his arrival he is greeted with enthusiastic energy, as the crowds come to their feet and bow in respect, he greets them all with a warm smile, and his dazzling presence, unthwarted by the cold weather, is radiant in the early morning fog. This year’s Monlam was especially energetic, an unspoken bond has arisen among the participants, as we all come together so soon after the passing of Shamar Rinpoche - and though one would think this environment would be one of pain and sorrow, the air is positively alive with joyous greetings, smiles and hugs abound, as everyone is thrilled to be here and to be together again under the tree. For me, this year has been an experience unlike any other, while it is my second year as a photographer here, it is my first under my own banner, my first time sharing my thoughts and experiences on such a global scale, in fact it is the first time I have even written anything that was read publicly, especially on this level. To be able to share this with you all, to be able to show you what I have seen and felt, to bring my perspective of this event, full of light and color merging together to form memories and images that we can all see has been the greatest joy. I could never forget that it is due to the support and generosity of so many that I am here - through your support and donations I was able to come and present my work for this event, and for this I will be eternally grateful. Through this process I have been able to launch my Dharma.Imagery.Project which has already become so much more than I imagined, and with the announcement of my newest film from Singapore coming under this banner as well, the possibilities for the future continue to grow and gain momentum by the day. I hope that this project can fulfill its purpose - to bring energy and light, depth and color, emotion and storytelling to dharma, that we can continue together to explore the endless possibilities, that Dharma Imagery can be exciting and fun, that we can bring more attention and support for Karmapa’s activities around the world, and that we can continue to learn and grow together as a Dharma family. This is my wish above all else, and I am committed and inspired to do anything and everything I can to make it happen - dedicating my life to this wish, for with this I have found purpose and meaning to my life. I have always said and promised that the foundation of my work, the reason I continue to do what I do is to be able to share it, this is also the core aspect of Dharma.Imagery.Project - to make all I do available to all who wish - as always - free of charge. So in this way I can offer my work to anyone and everyone, that there will never be a price to pay, and that through the generosity of others and the support of our dharma family I will continue this work for as long as I’m able, always aware that it is you all who keep this going, through your dedication, insatiable commitment and heart.
This photo collection I share today are some of my favorites from this past Monlam, it’s been a few weeks since we were all gathered under the tree together, but the feelings and memories remain vivid in my mind, and in my heart. In this spirit I wish to offer my entire Monlam photo collection, Seven Days Under The Tree, for free download in high quality print resolution - in hopes that it will offer benefit and bring us closer together. By following the link you will find a download folder containing all Seven Days of photo collections, as well as the accompanying text that went along with each day’s post - as many have asked for it, and I feel that what I was not able to express in the photos I have tried to say in words, and vice versa. Many couldn’t be present in Gaya and I hope that these photos will be a token of memory, a small gift from me to you, so that you can always feel like you were there with us. Please help me share this with all by sharing this post, sending the link to anyone you think would enjoy, as I am unable to reach everyone and need your help in doing so. Take one photo, take them all - please share these photos, print them, use them as you wish, give them away to friends, they are yours, this work doesn’t belong to me, it belongs to the lineage, it belongs to you. I am simply grateful beyond words that I am able to be a part of this family of ours, the greatest family in the world. Thank you all for coming on this ride with me, for sharing yourself with me along the way, and for your endless encouragement and support.
May the Dharma always be turning - in this world and in our hearts -
-Tokpa dharma.imagery.project
