2010 World Peace Ceremony

Beneath the Bodhi tree the chant of the assembly of the 21st World Peace Ceremony begins. Ten-thousand voices are praying in the early morning light. Lamas, monks, lay people and children are praying amidst birdsong and an occasional dog bark. The entire compound seems to hum with prayer, with many streams melting into an ocean of harmonious rhythm.

It matters not that one know the language or meaning of these ancient prayers whose origins are over two and a half millennia. The feeling is palpable: one immediately feels welcomed, embraced and uplifted by an ocean of prayer.

The annual World Peace Ceremony, also known as the Nyingma Monlam Chenmo, invites Buddhist worshippers to pray en masse for ten days together for world peace at the holiest site of Buddhism. Established in 1989, it initially drew a few hundred lamas and monks. Twenty-one years later, it has become one of the most beloved annual events for Tibetans in exile, drawing over nine-thousand lamas and monks and over five-thousand lay people. Participants come from all over the Himalayan region – Bhutan, Sikkim, Nepal, and India - often undertaking several months of arduous journey. For the faithful pilgrim, it seems all obstacles will be overcome.

At first glance, one is struck with the diversity of the participants who have made the great journey to Bodh Gaya - so different are their dialects, languages, dress, manners, traditions, ages and interests. But these distinctions disappear in the light of the higher purpose for which each has journeyed here. This ineffable quality filled with faith, devotion, and dignity, seems to carry a deep and powerful spiritual joy.

Circumambulating the Mahabodhi Stupa, one joins the throngs of people walking and prostrating the crowded pathways that encircle the temple. Some are fingering their prayer beads, others gingerly turning their prayer wheels or carrying incense and lotus flowers as offerings. All are moving at a quick and determined pace. At first it is a bit daunting, but with each repetition a sense of holding one’s position vanishes and a spontaneous flow arises – a feeling of connection with others circumambulating with you. One comes to understand that for Tibetans the principle of merit lies at the heart of their spiritual life, and it is with a joyful attitude of full engagement.

The colors and textures of the ceremony are a breathtaking kaleidoscope of unexpected patterns. The pilgrims, often hailing from communities throughout the Himalayas, come adorned with their distinctive, bright hand-woven textiles. Unusual hats, scarves, shawls, jackets and sarongs all around on display, giving a rare glimpse of ancient lineages and remote worlds. Lay participants also seated on the periphery of the assembly readily share their food and a place to sit with one another. Despite the limited space and the overwhelming sights and sounds, they sit with one another with an open heart. For such a large gathering, nowhere does one sense conflict or tension. Each situation is greeted with remarkable tolerance, openness and often with a smile.

After days of chanting and prayers, one feels a spacious quality, a softening within. Sitting under the Bodhi tree, one feels cleansed, nourished and grateful. Long after the prayers have quieted, the heart opens to a place where words and concepts cannot find their reach. A gentle kindness opens within and without, above and beyond.

Production begins

We’ve assembled a talented, creative and hardworking film team. The footage of the World Peace Ceremony is quietly inspiring. The crew will continue filming this summer.

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