CANADA NYINGMA MONLAM chenmo

The Nyingma Monlam Chenmo of Canada arose from a deep and heartfelt devotion to the teachings of the Buddha—particularly the sacred Dharma of Guru Padmasambhava.

In the year 2022, Nyingma tradition suffered the immeasurable loss of two great masters: His Holiness Dodrup Jigme Thubten Trinley Palzangpo and His Holiness Dudjom Sangye Pema Shepa Rinpoche, who both entered parinirvana. In deep devotion and gratitude, their disciples in Canada came together to offer a Parinirvana Prayer Ceremony in their honor. This moving and spontaneous gathering took place on Dakini Day, February 26, 2022.

During the ceremony, many practitioners expressed a heartfelt wish about starting the tradition of Nyingma Monlam Chenmo in Canada. While Canada had Sakya, Gelug, and Kagyu Monlam Chenmos every year, there had never been a dedicated Nyingma Monlam, and this was a gap strongly felt by many followers. Hence the organizing members of the Parinirvana Prayer Ceremony were approached by some elderly members with this long-held desire and the members humbly agreed to carry on the responsibility.  

Inspired by this sincere collective community aspiration, the Parinirvana Prayer Organizing Committee moved ahead with joy, devotion, and a sense of spiritual responsibility. However, organizing a large-scale public Dharma activity like Monlam Chenmo not only requires accountability, transparency, and consistency, but also requires proper legal registration. To ensure a stable foundation for this and future endeavors, the International Nyingma Foundation—a registered organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the Nyingma tradition was newly formed by the group of volunteers.

The title “Canada Nyingma Monlam Chenmo” itself was not formally and thoughtfully registered, as it was recognized that the sacred name “Nyingma Monlam” rightfully belongs to the broader Nyingma community across Canada—not to any single group or organization. With this in mind, and to honor this shared lineage, the First Canada Nyingma Monlam Chenmo was successfully organized under the banner of the International Nyingma Foundation in the year 2022.

This is how the Great Nyingma Monlam Chenmo of Canada was born—rooted in devotion, unified by purpose, and dedicated to the flourishing of the Nyingma teachings for the benefit of all sentient beings.

The founding organizing committee included:

1. President: Tulku Dechen Dorje
2. Vice President: Thupten Chophel
3. Secretary: Phuntsok Tobgyal
4. Religious Coordinator: Urgyen Gyalpo
5. Treasurer: Lama Jigme Wangchuk
6. Accountant: Tenzin Gawa
7. Public Relations: Tara Dolma
8. Inventory Manager: Palden Dukdak
9. Web In charge: Tulku Padma Namgyal

As agreed by the nine-member organizing committee, we respectfully proposed our intention to organize Nyingma Monlam Chenmo in Canada to the President of the International Nyingma Monlam in Bodhgaya, the six major Nyingma monasteries, the Dudjom Tersar and Nyingthig lineage holders, and the Nyingma members of the Tibetan Parliament. This proposal outlined both the immediate plan and the future vision for the Canada Nyingma Monlam Chenmo. We were deeply honored that our proposal was warmly received and that we were offered full support, blessings, and invaluable guidance.

First Canada Nyingma Monlam Chenmo 2022

With the sincerest aspiration to benefit all sentient beings, we sincerely pray that the precious teachings of the Buddha may continue to flourish and endure until all beings are liberated from suffering. We also offer heartfelt prayers for the long life and ongoing activity of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, and all the great masters. May all noble lineage holders who uphold and spread the Buddha’s teachings enjoy long life and carry out their enlightened activities without hindrance. May all Sangha communities continue their Dharma study and practice in harmony and mutual respect. By the power of their blessings, may the many difficulties of our time—such as illness, hunger, war, and division—be completely overcome. May all beings remain connected to the Dharma. 

With these above aspirations, the First Canada Nyingma Monlam Chenmo was successfully held from August 12–14, 2022 in the presence of His Eminence Dungse Namgyal Dawa Rinpoche as the Vajra Acharya.

His Eminence Rinpoche also blessed the audience with an introduction to Buddhism and conferred a longevity empowerment from the Tsokyé Thuktik lineage.

Over the course of three days, more than 50 monks and approximately 1,000 Tibetan and Himalayan practitioners gathered in prayer. Numerous lamas, tulkus, khenpos, and dharma teachers from various monasteries—particularly Nyingma centers across Canada and the United States—participated. This sacred gathering was made possible through the generous support of local monasteries, Dharma organizations, and the broader community.

As part of the original vision, we had hoped to convene a meeting on the second day of the Monlam with local Nyingma representatives to discuss the future direction of the festival. Unfortunately, due to various internal and external challenges, this meeting could not take place.

Nonetheless, the first Canada Nyingma Monlam Chenmo was successfully established, it was vital that it continued consistently and without interruption for the years to come.

At this important juncture, His Eminence Palyul Choktrul Mugsang Rinpoche kindly offered his guidance, recommending the formation of an Advisory Committee composed of representatives from major Nyingma monasteries. This committee would serve to guide and support the future direction of the Monlam in Canada.

In accordance with his advice, we agreed during the first Monlam to establish this committee and begin drafting formal bylaws—so that this sacred gathering may continue to flourish and bring enduring benefit for generations to come.

The Second Canada Nyingma Monlam Chenmo (2023)

From July 27 to 30, 2023, the Second Canadian Nyingma Monlam Chenmo was successfully held over three special days under the spiritual guidance of His Eminence Khenchen Padma Sherab Rinpoche and His Eminence Gyalse Sherab Drakpa Rinpoche, two respected masters of Sutra and Tantra teachings.

At the Second Monlam, during the opening ceremony on the first day, both presiding Rinpoches delivered profound teachings on virtue and non-virtue. That afternoon, following the conclusion of the first day's Monlam prayers, His Eminence Gyalsey Rinpoche gave a deep and comprehensive teaching on the Bardo. On the second day, after the Monlam session, His Eminence Khenchen Pema Sherab Rinpoche kindly bestowed Dharma teachings on taking refuge, followed by the profound empowerment of Avalokiteshvara from the Nam Chö tradition, offered with great compassion.

The event brought together more than 70 members of the noble Sangha and nearly 1,000 devoted practitioners from Tibetan and Himalayan communities. Also attending were lamas, tulkus, khenpos, and Dharma teachers from various non-sectarian and Nyingma monasteries. Local Nyingma centers that supported and joined the Monlam included Riwo Che Pema Ö Palace, Palyul Padma Mani Dharma Community, Orgyen Dongag Choeling, Riwo Tse Gya Zabsang Chöpel Ling, Orgyen Padma Chökhor Ling, Palyul Samten Ösel Ling, and Pal Ding Ri Pukkar Monastery, among others.

The organizing committee, led by the International Nyingma Foundation, worked closely with local monasteries, Dharma organizations, and the wider community to make this event a success.

Building on the strong foundation, an important step was taken during the second Monlam: following the advice of His Eminence Palyul Choktrul Mugsang Rinpoche and careful discussions among members, the Canadian Nyingma Monlam Chenmo Advisory Committee was officially formed. This new committee includes representatives from the main Nyingma lineages across the world. 

Looking ahead, and in line with making Canadian Nyingma Monlam Chenmo an independent, self-sustaining, and legally recognized organization—not controlled by any one group or individual the first Bylaw of the Canada Nyingma Monlam Chenmo was drafted.

This important document was unanimously approved by all original organizing members on the special day of Lhabab Düchen (Buddha’s Descent from Heaven Day), Tuesday, November 15, 2022

The Advisory Council Of the Canada Nyingma Monlam Chenmo consisted of:

1. Mindroling – Lama Tenkyab
2. Palyul  – Khenpo Orgyen Rangdrol
3. Dzogchen  – Khenpo Jampal Tenzin
4. Shechen  – Khenchen Gyurme Tsultrim
5. Tersar – Khenpo Orgyen Palden

The local executive committee included key figures from the International Nyingma Foundation and other contributing member.

1. President: Tulku Dechen Dorje 
2. Vice President: Thupten Chophel
3. Tibetan Secretary: Lopon Tenpa
4. English Secretary: Phuntsok Tobgyal
5. Religious Coordinator: Urgyen Gyalpo
6. Treasurer: Lama Jigme Wangchuk
7. Accountant: Tenzin Gawa
8. Public Relations: Tara Dolma
9. Inventory Manager: Palden Dukdak
10. Inventory Manager: Tsultrim Sangpo

The first Meeting of all the local Nyingma Dharma Centres for Organizing of the Third Canada Nyingma Monlam Chenmo

As envisioned the organizing committee of the Second Monlam has reached a significant and forward-looking resolution that the Canada Nyingma Monlam Chenmo should be formally established as a legally recognized, self-governing organization, rather than remaining under the jurisdiction of any single individual or group.

With this objective in mind, a pivotal meeting was convened during the lunch break on the first & second day of the Second Monlam to discuss the planning of the Third Canada Nyingma Monlam Chenmo and the registration process for the formal establishment of the organization.

The meeting was jointly organized by the International Nyingma Foundation and the Organizing Committee of the Second Canada Nyingma Monlam Chenmo and was chaired by Khenchen Sonam Rinpoche of Riwo Che Pema Ö Palace. Representatives from the following local dharma centers were in attendance:

• Palyul Pema Mani Dharma Assembly
• Orgyen Dongag Chöling
• Riwo Tse Gya Zabsang Chöpel Ling
• Orgyen Pema Chökhor Ling
• Palyul Samten Ösel Ling
• Canada Palding Ri Pukkar Monastery

The meeting took place on July 28 & 29, 2023 from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM, and resulted in the following seven unanimously agreed-upon decisions:

1. Continuity of the Current Committee

The current ten members of the organizing committee from the Second Monlam will continue their service for the upcoming Third Canada Nyingma Monlam Chenmo. Additionally, an expanded eighteen-member organizing committee will be formed, consisting of:

• One representative from each of the eight aforementioned local dharma centers
• One knowledgeable, experienced, and qualified local individual from each center
• Local Pekod welfare representatives

2. Committee Leadership

It was unanimously agreed to respectfully request Khenchen Sonam Rinpoche of Riwo Che to serve as the Chairperson (or President) of the organizing committee. Rinpoche graciously accepted this responsibility.

3. Formation of a Himalayan Peoples’ Coordination Committee

A dedicated coordination committee representing the various Himalayan ethnic communities will be established to ensure broad and inclusive participation, as well as effective collaboration across communities.

4. Official Name

The prayer gathering organization will henceforth be formally known as:
Canada Nyingma Monlam Chenmo (Canada Great Nyingma Prayer Festival)

5. Inaugural Ceremony

As per the decision made in the prior meeting, the official name was formally inaugurated on July 30, 2023, an auspicious day marked by the "Five Perfections." The ceremony was held in the presence of Kyabje Khenchen Pema Sherab Rinpoche and Kyabje Pekod Gyalse Sherab Drakpa Rinpoche, along with a grand mandala assembly of ordained monks, yogis, and thousands of devoted practitioners.

6. Participation of Local Nyingma Centers

From this year onward, all local Nyingma dharma centers will actively participate in the annual Monlam Chenmo and contribute to the organizing committee's ongoing planning and activities.

7. New Committee Formation

An eighteen-member organizing committee for the Third Canada Nyingma Monlam Chenmo has now been successfully formed based on the resolutions passed during this meeting.

Next Steps

While these seven key resolutions were decisively agreed upon during this brief session, it was also resolved that a follow-up meeting will be convened in the near future to finalize specific role assignments, define responsibilities, and develop detailed improvement plans for the successful execution of the upcoming Third Canada Nyingma Monlam Chenmo.

First Annual General Meeting of the Canada Nyingma Monlam Chenmo

Agenda and Resolutions

The First Annual General Meeting of the Canada Nyingma Monlam Chenmo was held on Saturday, December 16, 2023, at 10:00 AM EST. The meeting took place at Gangjong Chöden Ling, Tibetan Canadian Cultural Centre, with both in-person attendees and respected advisory members participating online. The following agenda items and resolutions were discussed and adopted:

1. Opening Remarks
   Tulku Dechen Dorjee, President of the first and second Monlam organizing committees, welcomed attendees and presented an overview of the past work and progress.
2. Financial Report
   Mr. Tenzin Gawa, Treasurer and Accountant for the first and second organizing committees, presented a financial summary of the past two years. He formally handed over cash, financial records, and documents to the newly appointed treasurers and accountants.
3. Religious Inventory Report
   Urgyan Gyalpo, Religious Coordinator of the organizing committee, presented a report of all Monlam-related religious items and officially transferred them to the new Religious Coordinator.
4. Work Plan Presentation
   Venerable Khenchen Sonam Rinpoche, President of the third organizing committee, outlined the vision and work plan for the upcoming Monlam activities.
5. Advisory Council Guidance 

Esteemed members of the Advisory Council offered valuable guidance regarding:

• Establishing stronger ties with the Nyingma Monlam in Bodhgaya
• Ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Canada Nyingma Monlam Chenmo
• Defining clear procedures for the selection, terms, and responsibilities of the Advisory Council, Board of Directors, and Executive Committee

1. Open Discussion
   The participants held a focused discussion based on the above instructions and suggestions.
2. Bylaw Amendments
   After a careful review and discussion, the first official revision of the Canada Nyingma Monlam Chenmo Bylaws was completed and unanimously adopted.
3. Board and Executive Selection Guidelines
   Regarding the selection, roles, and terms of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee, the meeting revised the decisions previously made during the second day of the second Monlam (July 29, 2023, 1:30–3:00 PM).

• It was unanimously agreed that all board and executive committee members, except for the Advisory Council, must be representatives of local Nyingma monasteries.
• Accordingly, elections were held among representatives of the nine participating local monasteries.
• Based on these results, the Board of Directors and Executive Committee for the third Monlam were formally appointed, with specific roles and responsibilities assigned.

Names of the Advisory Council, Board of Directors, and Executive Committee for the Third Canada Nyingma Monlam Chenmo

Advisory Council

(Note: Representatives from Kathog, Dorje Drak, and Nyingthig traditions were unable to attend at this time.)

1. Minling Monastery – Lama Tenkyab
2. Palyul Monastery – Khenpo Orgyen Rangdrol
3. Dzogchen Monastery – Khenpo Jampal Tenzin
4. Shechen Monastery – Khenchen Gyurme Tsultrim
5. Dudjom Tersar Monastery – Khenpo Orgyen Palden

Board of Directors

Term: 2024–2026 (Three Years)

• President – Khenchen Sonam Tobgyal (Riwoché Pema Ö Palace)
• Vice-President – Khenpo Sonam Nyima (Palyul Samten Ösal Ling)
• General Secretary – Taril Chöjor Tulku (Orgyen Do-ngak Chöling)
• General Secretary – Thubten Chöphel (International Nyingma Foundation)
• Treasurer – Tulku Dawa Gyalpo (Palyul Pema Mani Chötsok)
• Board Member – Lama Rabjor (Canada Pal Ding Ri Pukkar Monastery)
• Board Member – Lama Rangrig (Riwo Tse-gya Zabsang Chöphel Ling)
• Board Member – Lama Sangye (Dudjom Pema Chökhor Ling)
• Board Member – Khenpo Lobsang Tsephel (Canada Mangala Shri Foundation)

Executive Committee

Term: 2024–2025 (Two Years)

• President – Khenpo Pema (Riwoché Pema Ö Palace)
• Vice-President – Tsering Dondrub (Palyul Samten Ösal Ling)
• Tibetan Secretary – Ludrub Dorje (Orgyen Do-ngak Chöling)
• English Secretary – Phuntsok Tobgyal (International Nyingma Foundation)
• Religious Coordinator – Lama Rabjor (Canada Pal Ding Ri Pukkar Monastery)
• Treasurer – Lopon Norbu Tsering (Palyul Pema Mani Chötsok)
• Accountant – Palden Rangjung (Riwo Tse-gya Zabsang Chöphel Ling)
• Manager – Palden Drukdrak (Dudjom Pema Chökhor Ling)
• Liaison Officer – Tara Drolma (Canada Mangala Shri Foundation)

Additional Resolutions

1. Following discussion, the meeting unanimously agreed to proceed with the registration of the Canada Nyingma Monlam Chenmo as a non-profit organization.
2. The meeting also finalized decisions regarding the date, venue, ceremonies, and task responsibilities for the Third Canada Nyingma Monlam Chenmo, which will be coordinated by the new Executive Committee.

Third Canada Nyingma Monlam Chenmo – 2024

Following the successful completion of the first two Canada Nyingma Monlam Chenmo prayer gatherings, the Third Canada Nyingma Monlam Chenmo was held from June 28-30 2024, continuing the aspiration to bring together the Nyingma monastic community and lay practitioners in North America for collective prayer, teachings, and Dharma activity.

The third Nyingma Monlam was organized under the guidance of the Advisory Council and newly appointed Board of Directors and Executive Committee, composed of representatives from nine local Nyingma Dharma Centres in Canada. The event builds upon the foundations laid by the previous organizing committees, who formally established the Monlam as a self-governing organization committed to preserving and spreading the precious teachings of the Nyingma tradition.

Key Highlights of the Third Monlam:

• Collective Prayer Ceremonies:
  As in previous years, the Monlam was center around Three-day prayer sessions dedicated to world peace, longevity of all realized masters, and the well-being of all sentient beings presided by Khenchen Sonam Tobgyal Rinpoche.
• The event brought together more than 80 members of the noble Sangha and nearly 1,000 devoted practitioners from Tibetan and Himalayan communities. Also attending were lamas, tulkus, khenpos, and Dharma teachers from various non-sectarian and Nyingma monasteries. Local Nyingma centers that supported and joined the Monlam included Riwo Che Pema Ö Palace, Palyul Padma Mani Dharma Community, International Nyingma Foundation, Orgyen Dongag Choeling, Riwo Tse Gya Zabsang Chöpel Ling, Orgyen Padma Chökhor Ling, Palyul Samten Ösel Ling, and Pal Ding Ri Pukkar Monastery, among others.
• The organizing committee, led by the Canada Nyingma Monlam Chenmo banner, worked closely with local monasteries, Dharma organizations, and the wider community to make this event a success

Committee in Charge:

• Board of Directors (2024–2026) – Led by Khenchen Sonam Tobgyal
• Executive Committee (2024–2025) – Led by Khenpo Pema
• Advisory Council – Senior representatives from key Nyingma monasteries, offering spiritual and institutional guidance

The organizing committee extends a heartfelt invitation to all devotees, practitioners, and Dharma friends to join in this sacred gathering of prayer, practice, and inspiration.

In Conclusion:

In summary, with the blessings of the incomparable Teacher—the Buddha—and the great spiritual masters of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, especially the profound lineage holders of the Khen-Lop-Chö Sum tradition, along with the full support of participating monasteries and the devoted public, the first three Canada Nyingma Monlam Chenmos were successfully facilitated with a successful transition of the organizing members in the third Canada Nyingma Monlam Chenmo. We offer our prayer and support to the new members and future upcoming members to continue and flourish this noble tradition of the Great Nyingma Monlam Chenmo. 

On behalf of the organizing committees of the Monlam, we offer heartfelt prostrations and deep gratitude to everyone who supported this vision. 

Finally, we offer our prayers: 

May the precious teachings of the Fourth Guide, led by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the peerless protector of all beings, continue to flourish. May all noble and impartial masters accomplish their aspirations. May the great ocean-like community of the Arya Sangha remain united in pure discipline.
And may these teachings continue to shine for the lasting benefit of all beings.

Signed and consecrated with blessings by Kyabje Khenchen Pema Sherab Rinpoche.

Signed and consecrated with blessings by Kyabjey Gyalsay Sherab Drakpa Rinpoche.