Compassion in Action Projects at the Kagyu Monlam

When escaping from Tibet, Akong Rinpoche almost died of starvation and he made a promise that if he survived, he would do everything in his power to make sure people do not have to suffer from hunger. Rinpoche encouraged his students to set up “Soup Kitchens” throughout Asia, Africa and Europe, offering food to whoever asked, serving them with kindness and respect, expecting nothing in return. There appears to be great wisdom in this practice of Compassion in Action as those who give and those who receive all experience the benefits.

20 years have now passed since some students of the 2nd Akong Tulku visited the Kagyu Monlam in Bodhgaya for the first time. They were inspired by His Holiness 17th Gyalwang Karmapa leading the magnificent Monlam gathering and the prayers of vast aspirations: they were also moved by the extreme poverty and suffering they witnessed on the streets of Bodhgaya. They asked themselves, “What would Akong Rinpoche do if he was here?” From this inspiration in 2006, the tradition of giving food to the people of Bodhgaya and the surrounding villages was born. Since then it has continued every year during the Kagyu Monlam and that first small step has resulted in a long and inspiring journey.

Following Akong Rinpoche’s tragic death in 2013, with the blessing of His Holiness 17th Gyalwang Karmapa, the Akong Tulku Memorial Soup Kitchen became part of an ever-increasing range of Compassion in Action projects. The Venerable Lama Chodrak, CEO of the Kagyu Monlam has given his invaluable guidance and support. He regularly visits all of the Compassion in Action projects himself and this year, during the 40th Kagyu Monlam, he invited Kyabgön Zurmang Gharwang Rinpoche to visit the Soup Kitchen. Rinpoche didn’t just give his blessing; he also got involved in serving food.

Thanks to the patience and generosity of Bhikkhu Pragya Deep, for several years the Soup Kitchen has been hosted in the grounds of the All India Bikkhu Sangha. Jangchup Lingpa, Secretary to the Kagyu Monlam, manages the wonderful team of Tergar cooks and logistics, engaging with members of the local community who have played their part in making the project a success. No doubt Akong Rinpoche would be pleased to know that his compassionate activity still continues as we all pray for his return.

Each year representatives of Akong Rinpoche’s centres are appointed by his brother Lama Yeshe Rinpoche to attend the Monlam and help to run the Soup Kitchen; looking after the many enthusiastic volunteers from all over the world who find great joy in working together for a positive purpose. This year Lama Zangmo, Ani Semchi, Ani Jamyang and Alice Maxwell had the opportunity to express their devotion and gratitude to Akong Rinpoche as they offered a warm welcome to everyone who came to enjoy the nutritious food. Some days there were more than 400 people: lots of children (who really love the oranges!), rickshaw drivers, men on polio bikes, people on sticks and crutches, elderly women, mums and babies, dads with their young children too.

The Compassion in Action projects at the Kagyu Monlam are supported by the Hart Knowe Trust in co-operation with the Kagyupa International Trust. As well as offering food and friendship to local people they have a shared aspiration to give help that brings longer term benefits. There have been sewing projects to give training and resources to young women in Bodhgaya. Other initiatives include improving the living conditions at a local Girls’ Hostel and providing them with shawls, toiletries and sanitary towels. More recently there are educational scholarships making it possible to extend education beyond the basic level, increasing the prospects of a better life for the students and their families.

Vin Harris, co-founder of the Hart Knowe Trust, said:

“It is wonderful that Lama Zangmo and a group of Dharma friends could look after the Soup Kitchen and visit some of the other Compassion in Action projects, helping us all to keep Akong Rinpoche and his vast compassionate vision alive in our hearts and minds.”


~ Vin Harris, January 2026