Mönlam
Buddhist Prayers for Healing, Living, and Dying
The Annual Raising of Prayer Flags (Lungta) takes place each year on the 5th day of the second month in the Tibetan calendar. H.E. Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche, monastics, and lay practitioners travel to the Jamacho temple located at the top of Nagarjuna hill in the Kathmandu valley. This is an important pilgrimage site where a stupa thought to date back to the time of Kāśyapa Buddha stands. This is also where it is believed that the Buddhas of the three times, including Shakyamuni Buddha, gave, and will continue to give teachings.
Rinpoche leads rituals which includes chanting prayers, performing Sang Pūjā (smoke offering), Serkyem Offering (offerings to protector deities and guardians), and raising prayer flags (lungta) with the aspiration that all natural calamities are pacified so that there will be peace and happiness in the world. The wind blows the prayers and mantras printed on the flags far and wide, spreading the Buddhist teachings of wisdom and compassion. The merit is dedicated to the well-being of all sentient beings and world peace so that all may engage in virtuous deeds, cultivate compassion, and gain merit.
If you are unable to make an offering but would like to be included in the Annual Raising of Prayer Flags (Lungta), please send your name(s) to [email protected].
