The Shajin Lama of Kalmykia, Geshe Tenzin Choydak (Mutul Ovyanov)

The Shajin Lama of Kalmykia, Geshe Tenzin Choydak (Mutul Ovyanov), made his choice to devote his life to monasticism while still in his youth. He was raised in a very devout family. From early childhood Mutul saw how one should pray, light butter lamps and make prostrations. He often travelled with his father to the Khanata gelung, who knew astrology, gave names to newborns and read prayers in Tibetan. All of this played a part in the formation of the future monk.

He began as a novice at the Buddhist khurul of Kalmykia on Lermontov Street in 1994.

Even then he studied the foundations of Buddhist logic and dialectics, the Tibetan alphabet, and learned the first prayer texts; everything required diligence and a great desire for new knowledge. Mutul Vladimirovich always remembers his first teachers with great gratitude: Geshe Dugda, Geshe Jampa, Sanji-gelung.

In September 1999 Mutul Ovyanov set off to study in India, where he studied for a long 16 years. Having completed the full course of study at Drepung Gomang Monastery, Mutul Vladimirovich was awarded the title of “Geshe.” It is worth noting that he is the first Kalmyk cleric to receive this high degree in the post-Soviet period.

After his studies, having returned to his homeland, in April 2015 Mutul-bagsh took up the duties of abbot of “The Golden Abode of Buddha Shakyamuni.” In the summer of 2022 he was re-elected for a second term.

And in February 2023, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama confirmed the candidacy of Geshe Tenzin Choydak for the post of Shajin Lama of Kalmykia.

“This is a very responsible position. Today we face very many tasks that must be addressed for the further development of Buddhism in our region. And I will make every effort to realize everything that is planned!” says the Shajin Lama of Kalmykia, Geshe Tenzin Choydak.