Online registration for Monlam is available now on our registration page.

The 2011 North American Kagyu Monlam will be held at Thrangu Monastery, Richmond, British Columbia, Canada.

We need to monitor the number of participants attending the event so that we do not exceed our capacity, and to ensure that we have sufficient texts, water stations, food and washroom facilities. Your online payment number from Paypal is your receipt for registration. Registration packages will be distributed when you check-in at the Monlam.

Online registration is available now. We encourage ALL participants who would like to attend the entire 5-day event, including monastics and three-year retreat graduates, to register early.

Due to time constraints and lack of monastic contact information, only a limited number of personal invitations will be distributed. However, monastics of any lineage or tradition are welcome to attend without an invitation. Please note that monastics, three-year retreat graduates, and the general public are all required to register in advance in order to attend the event.

Monastics of any lineage or tradition and the general public are welcome to attend without an invitation. Please register in advance as it is required in order to attend the event.

No. Anyone with a sincere interest in participating in the Monlam is welcome to register.

Preference will be given to participants who will be attending the entire 5-day event. Participants are also welcome to register for one or more days individually.

Accommodations will not be available on-site. Participants will need to make their own off-site accommodation arrangements. Information can be found on our Accomodations page. Please note that KKAC does not endorse any of the accommodation options listed. Rates are subject to change without notice.

We have compiled a list of local accommodation options on our accommodations page. Please note that KKAC does not endorse any of the accommodation options listed. Rates are subject to change without notice

Unfortunately, we will not be able to provide on-site accommodations prior to or following the event.

Registered participants will be served lunch as well as snacks at tea breaks.

The general registration fee for Monlam will be $50 per day. There are NO refunds for requests that come in after May 25th for general participant registration cancellations.

Monastics are welcome to attend the event at no charge, but must register in advance in order to do so.

The registration fee for three-year retreat graduates (non-monastics) will be $125 for the program. There will be a nonrefundable surcharge of $5 per day for registration cancellations.

All who plan to attend must register in advance.

Volunteers are needed, welcomed, appreciated and will be of great importance to ensure that the Monlam goes well. Applications for volunteers are presently being accepted and will be reviewed in order to match individual skills and schedules to available positions.

If you would like to volunteer, please visit the volunteer page on our website, and complete and submit the application.

Please note that volunteers will be responsible for their own off-site accommodations.

It is an honour and privilege for the Karma Kagyu Association of Canada (KKAC) and their sanghas to host this wondrous event under His Holiness's guidance. Although His Holiness will not be present in person at the Monlam, he will join us via satellite. We have supplicated His Holiness to address the Monlam from wherever he may be and are confident that his blessings and that of the entire lineage will rain upon the 2011 North American Kagyu Monlam.

Limited parking is available at the adjacent lot just south of the Monastery (8160 No. 5 Road). Please use this lot to pick-up or drop-off participants as well.

Persons with physical disabilities may be dropped off at the Monastery's back entrance where access to monastery is available with the use of a lift. For extra assistance, please send us an e-mail request and we will provide a volunteer to help with your needs.

Free shuttle service will be available from the Executive Airport Plaza Hotel, Holiday Inn Riverport and Lansdowne Mall for all Full Program Participants. A Shuttle Schedule will be sent out to all Full Program Participants no less than a week prior to the Monlam.

Please visit the public transit trip planner website at http://tripplanning.translink.ca/ for your public transportation needs.

The Monastery has entry areas and facilities to accommodate needs for the elderly or disabled persons. Please notify us in advance for any special needs

Your bodhicitta mind and a meditation cushion/bench for your body.

The North American Kagyu Monlam will take place in June when the weather is usually warm and sunny during the day, and cool at night with some chances of rain. The average temperature is between 15-17ºC (59 to 63ºF) with lows around 11ºC (52ºF) and highs about 23ºC (74ºF). It would be wise to pack for a wide range of temperatures. Water-resistant wear and an umbrella is also recommended as it can be rainy. A sunhat and sunscreen is also essential as the event will likely take place outdoors (under tents). Evenings and even daytimes can still be chilly, so bring a jacket or shawl. Please bring a pair of shoes/sandals that are easy to slide off as you will be asked to remove your shoes on many occasions.

We aim to be as eco-friendly as possible. To reduce the use of disposable products, please bring your own:

• Thermos bottle for drinks
• A set of cultery/chopsticks and a cloth napkin for your lunches.
• Thermos bottles and cutlery sets will be available for purchase on site.
• FM radio with earphones to get a translation of the talks, rituals and other events in your language.

Please remember that this is a sacred occasion that will be attended by many monks and nuns, so plan to observe a dress code which maintains modesty. Loose fitting clothes will be both appropriate and work best for comfort.

Your Paypal receipt serves as your registration confirmation. An e-mail reminder confirming your registration will be sent out to you prior to the event. Your Monlam event package consisting of your entrance tag, text and other information may be picked up at Thrangu Monastery on June 21st between 12 Noon and 6 PM as well as on June 22nd between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM. We ask local participants to kindly help facilitate ease in check-in by picking up registration packages on the 21st.