Monlam Pavillion and Grounds,
Bodhgaya
26 January 2024
All those who came to the 38th Kagyu Monlam delighted in the transformations which have taken place since the last Kagyu Monlam in 2020. The grounds have become fully-established gardens, with an expanse of lawn, an abundance of colourful flowers, multiple clay pots of leafy green plants, and the shade of trees and palms. What used to be a barren, dusty space has become a place of tranquillity and harmony to be enjoyed by all.
This impressive achievement is down to the vision of the Site Manager, Sri Kunkhyen Negi, better known by his nickname “Tiger”. He acquired this moniker because of his physical size and strength, which he has put to good use in serving the Kagyu Monlam.
Tiger first started working for the Kagyu Monlam at the 29th Kagyu Monlam in December 2009/January 2010. As the site manager, he supervises building work, and maintains the grounds and the buildings. Over the years he has been responsible for the gradual transformation of the Monlam Pavillion, from the temporary marquee and earthen stage in 2009 to the huge building with space for thousands of people that is there today. The architect was Choekyi Gyatso but Tiger supervised the building works at each stage.
It can be very hot in Bodhgaya and temperatures within the tents where the nuns and monks stay during the Monlam can become intolerable. In transforming the garchen, Tiger’s first aim was to cool down their living area by providing them with shade and cool breezes. To this end, he planted multiple trees and shrubs which have now grown to maturity, and flowers to add beauty.
The trees throughout the site have been carefully selected. They are mainly fruit trees: guava, lychee, chiki, mango, banana and papaya. The plentiful fruit is eaten by Kagyu Monlam staff and shared with the young monks at Tergar monastery.
During Covid-19 lockdown Tiger was able to finish landscaping the area in front of the kitchen building where monks, nuns and laypeople sit to eat their meals. He established a lawn and planted many trees for shade. These include the centre-piece, a bodhi tree, nurtured lovingly from a shoot.
When visiting the Monlam grounds, everyone is inspired by the sight of so many flowers. They were chosen and planted specifically to come into bloom during Kagyu Monlam. “They are there to lift everybody’s spirits,” Tiger explained. “They will feel good when they see the beautiful flowers.”
Shrubs line paved areas and provide additional greenery.
A recent addition to the gardens is a line of 12 chortens, commissioned by C.E.O. Lama Choedrak. They are made from special stone brought from Chunar near Varanasi. Tiger was responsible for digging and laying the foundations for these stupas.
Looking to the future, there’s a plan to build a large accommodation building to house rinpoches, tulkus, khenpos, monks, nuns, and Monlam staff. Tiger will be responsible for supervising the day-to-day building work and he intends to plant more trees and flowers to make it a pleasing environment too.
Now, he says, he’s awaiting the return of the Gyalwang Karmapa, so he too can enjoy the beautiful environment that Tiger has created.
