Just nearby Tergar Monastery is the
Monlam Pavilion which has been venue for hosting the Kagyu International Monlam at Bodhgaya, India since 2009
.(http://www.kagyumonlam.org/English/News/Report/Report_20120308_4.html)
It is presided by His Holiness, the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa.
(
http://kagyuoffice.org/karmapa/)
It is a Hugh spacious tent alike building which hosts thousands of pilgrims from all over the world taking part in the Kagyu Monlam event presided by Karmapa himself.
Generally it is held around year-end to beginning of following year.
As it is winter period, the cement floor will be covered with thin mattresses for Sangha and devotees who will be sitting on the floor. (Due to tight security during Monlam period, no hp & cameras are allowed into the premise except authorised personnel)
There will be direct translation of several languages (English, Mandarin, German, French, Poland, Vietnamese, etc.) from Tibetan language teachings given by Karmapa which can be received via tuning to a normal FM transmitter radio.
Live telecast is available too over internet (http://kagyuoffice.org/webcast/) for those who cannot attend personally in India. However it is advisable to attend at least once personally to experience the unique international atmosphere where you can interact with devotees of different countries.
And the opportunity to meet Karmapa close up via public or private audience!
(remember to bring more photocopies (at least 2) of your passport and passport size photos for submissions to register for audience at the Kagyu office located at the front-gate of Tergar Monastery during Monlam period.)
Oh, if one is interested, one may also register as Friends of Kagyu Monlam (http://www.kagyumonlam.org/English/Monlam/monlam_membership.html), whereby one not only supports the event as a member but enjoys certain privileges during Monlam period such as free transportation from certain venues to Monlam Pavilion, free meals and extra Public audience opportunity to meet up with Karmapa, the Charismatic, Majestic, Wise and Compassionate yet no fuss Dharma Prince who has authored several books.
A great documentary in progress:
A good touching sharing by Venerable Hai Tao on Karmapa:
Attached also a Very good QnA session between Mingyur Rinpoche & Venerable Haitao on Vajra practices and Karmapa. :-)
很棒的问答！详解藏传修行法！
Watch "海濤法師與明珠仁波切智慧座談" on YouTube - 海濤法師與明珠仁波切智慧座談: http://youtu.be/Q_D_tobL_Ls
(It is mainly due to both Venerable Hai Tao and Mingyur Rinpoche 's praise for Karmapa which motivated me on this trip with friend, Gratitude to them _/|\_ )
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Despite rejoicing in all the wonderful sites to visit in India, one must take necessary precaution when travelling in India. Below will be some tips to consider.
Avoid travelling in the dark alone. Best to travel in groups.
Always lock your room door, even in Hotels.
Always have a good torch light (it is not readily available in shops at Gaya so best to get a good one with good supply of batteries from your country) with you, even in your Hotel or Guesthouse as the electricity supply can be unstable.
Bring an anti-surge adaptor so that when electricity supply is cut-off abruptly due to unstable current which is common, it will not spoil your electrical products.
A ready press light for your bathroom is recommended.
Never drink un-boiled, unfiltered water unless you have a really strong stomach. Avoid even brushing your teeth with tap-water.
Bottled water is quite easily available at shops there or get a Thermal boiler/kettle (can also be purchased at electrical shops near the market beside Main temple) to boil bottled water (not tap water).
Bring plasters and medicine for food poisoning, flu , fever and a good supply of your regular medicines.
Bring Face mask as protector (air is very polluted and dusty there unless after rain) which can also be bought on street but quality not as good as the cloth ones in Taiwan or China.
Bring Lip-gross and Sun block as UV high there. Sunglasses are also advisable.
Bring Hair-dryer, heat packs, Thermal water bottles which are useful in winter.
Umbrella, rain-coat and insect repellent are advisable too.
Winter hat, socks and night socks, hand gloves, scarf/neck protectors, necessary Thermal wear for winters.
Sleeping bag too is recommended.
Oh, a cheap, manual tuning FM radio (auto-scanning type not advisable) with good supply of batteries to last for days of teachings if attending Monlam.
Bring a cup too if attending Monlam as nice butter-tea or milk tea will be served during breaks.
And a soft shoe-bag will be useful when visiting many places where footwear is disallowed. Never leave your shoes/slippers unattended unless you are already prepared to donate them to someone who needs them more than you do without formally requesting from you. The slippers there may be as expensive or cost more than in your hometown especially if you approach the vendors barefoot.; -0
Once you are equipped and settled down, it will be a good trip.
Take care and enjoy...
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