Grand Nyingma Menlom Chenmo prayers set to begin at Bodh Gaya

WANGCHUK BHUTIA

BODHGAYA, (BIHAR), 01 Feb:

A 10-day long “Nyingma Menlom Chenmo” is scheduled to begin here at the Mahabodhi Stupa on 03 Feb 2011. The Menlom Chenmo is one of the more important annual puja of the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism. It begins with the auspicious date of “Namgang Chechi”, the first day of the twelfth month of the Tibetan lunar calendar, which coincides with 03 Feb this year.

Monks from monasteries across Sikkim are already here to participate in the prayers. Joining them in the prayers will be monks from all over world, with this correspondent having met monks from Arunachal Pradesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bangladesh and nearby Darjeeling and Kalimpong.

The Menlom Chenmo will also be attended by the Chotul Rinpoche from Shimla, Yangzey Rinpoche (Nepal), Thakthang Rinpoche (USA) and other eminent rinpoches from different monasteries. Meanwhile, a huge congregation of pilgrims are already camped here.

During the Menlom Chenmo, “Zyambel Charchok”, a special prayer, will be performed for world peace.

After the Menlom Chenmo, Khenchen Pema Sherab Rinpoche will give teachings on Longchenpa’s Men-Ngag Dzo (“Precious treasurer of pith instructions”). The teachings will start on 14 Feb and continue for around two weeks. These classes will be held for Sangha members of Ngagyur Nyingma School of Tibetan Buddhism, dharma sponsors and students, it is informed.