KATHMANDU, JUNE 17
The Lowo-Monlam Chenmo was recently held in Jharkot, Muktinath, for seven days at the Jharkot centre, attended by over 500 monks and nuns. "It was amazing to see," one of the spectators told THT.
"This occurs during the Saga Dawa month (which commemorates Buddha's birthday, enlightenment, and death-all in the same month).
Kunzon Thakuri, of Jharkot, who is in charge of the Chhusang Monastery restoration and chairperson of the NORBUSUM Foundation, said, "This prayer takes place once a year. This year there were a total of 578 monks and nuns," she stated. "It is done alternately in Lower Mustang and Upper Mustang. This year, we performed in Lower Mustang. Next year, in Upper Mustang."
According to her, this prayer (pooja) is offered for universal peace and harmony. It is performed especially during this month because it is known as Saga Dawa, which commemorates Buddha's birthday, enlightenment, and death-all in the same month.
"According to the Tibetan or Buddhist calendar, this is the most significant month. Prayers during this month are expected to multiply by hundreds of millions," she added.
"It was performed for seven days in Jharkot this time. During these seven days, all of the nuns and monks from Mustang's Gumba (578 monks and nuns), as well as locals (700 to 800 people), prayed in Jharkot."
The Mustang Sakya Buddhist Association covered all of the monks' and nuns' expenses, including their stay and transportation. The association receives donations from every Mustang denizen for the grand prayers. "We also receive donations from all over the world, including the United States, Japan, the Korea, and Hong Kong for grand Pooja," Thakuri added.
This pooja is performed to keep the world safe from conflict, pandemics, and disasters. "Overall, it is performed for the good of the entire world," she stated.
Despite the fact that Monlam Chenmo has been celebrated for seven years, the local government has provided little support.
However, historically, it was observed around the 14th century. However, it was halted due to a financial crunch. "We have been celebrating for seven years, and next year, Monlam Chenmo will be performed in Upper Mustang at Niphu Monastery," she said.
Thakuri, the chairperson of the NORBUSUM Foundation, is involved in a variety of educational and religious activities in the Mustang area through her work and the foundation.
