Audience of His Holiness with the Kagyu Monlam volunteers

December 23, 2009, Tergar Monastery, report by Michele Martin, photos taken by Karma Norbu, Pema Orser Dorje

 

You all have come from afar to serve during the Kagyu Monlam and I appreciate very much all your efforts, made with such sincerity and enthusiasm. You have genuinely dedicated your body, speech, and mind to this work. And as the Monlam expands, your help is becoming even more indispensable.

During the Monlam, what is most important is that with their sincere devotion and good motivation, the many people who attend work to benefit others. In this way, they plant the seeds of numerous good tendencies in their mind, which they can then develop through their practice. When we plant a positive seed in our minds, as we have here at the Monlam, we then have to care for it.  The way we do this is through our practice: we look very carefully and subtly into our own minds at all times, whether we are working or meditating. Like this, with a sincere motivation and clear awareness, we engage in a bodhisattva's activity.

At the end of the year, business people do their accounts. How did things go during the last twelve months? Were there losses or gains? In the same way we can take account of our lives during the year that just passed. What did we do that was worthwhile and what was not? Did we run around too busy with pointless activity, eventually creating suffering for ourselves, or did we do something that had lasting and true value? If we did not, we vow to do better. If we did accomplish something worthwhile, then we use that as a foundation for further activity. We also recognize that it takes time for a flower to come into blossom, and so we have patience with this process of growing our seed of bodhicitta. It’s also true that if in a short time, we can put our whole heart into this practice of serving others and staying aware, then like making a big business deal, we can reap great benefits. For example, our suffering will diminish and our happiness will grow.

In brief, the seed of virtue that you will help to plant in others' mind is in harmony with the activity of bodhisattvas. His Holiness makes the aspiration that all your good deeds in relation to the Monlam will result in your becoming inspired leaders in bringing about the true liberation of beings. Whatever merit you may accumulate through your body, speech, and mind, dedicate it to the enlightened ones of the ten directions. And may the benefit of your activity be equal in extent to all the Buddha fields. May the benefit be infinite as space. At all times may goodness spread to all living beings so each and every one is touched your loving affection.

The volunteers are offered scarves with the Kagyu Monlam logo. They are asked to choose between three colors. His Holiness explained that the green scarf is connected to the environmental work; the red scarf is for increasing all things positive; and the white one to the purity of intention.