The following text, composed by H.H. 17th Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje, is from the website of the organising committee of the Kagyu Monlam Chenmo in Bodh Gaya, which will next take place from 27 December 2010 to 3 January 2011. It explains the meaning of the practice of “monlam” or “decication and aspirations”.