Enthronement Ceremony of the Kamby Lama of Tuva

Telo Tulku Rinpoche took part in the solemn enthronement ceremony of the Ninth Kamby Lama of the Republic of Tuva

The Honorary Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Russia, Mongolia and the CIS countries, the supreme lama of Kalmykia Telo Tulku Rinpoche took part in the enthronement of the Ninth Kamby Lama of the Republic of Tuva, Gelek Natsyk-Dorzhu, which took place on Sunday.

Speaking at the solemn ceremony, whose honored guests were the head of the Republic of Tuva Sholban Kara-ool, and delegations from Buryatia, the Irkutsk Region, Altai and Khakassia, Telo Tulku Rinpoche warmly congratulated the newly elected Kamby Lama on his appointment.

“Buddhism always points the way to love, kindness, compassion, understanding, respect,” Telo Tulku Rinpoche stated, noting that the duty of spiritual leaders, as well as of the spiritual community as a whole, is to foster the development of these qualities in people.

The head of the Buddhists of Kalmykia emphasized that “the Teaching of the Buddha in Russia must be developed and restored through joint efforts” and expressed readiness to support the clergy of Tuva.

“There are different kinds of support, but the most important of them is moral, spiritual support,” he said, adding that great responsibility falls on the shoulders of the new Kamby Lama not only before the Buddhists of Tuva, but also before the Buddhists of all Russia.

“I have held the post of supreme lama of the Republic of Kalmykia since 1992, and so I understand all the difficulties associated with this work,” Telo Tulku Rinpoche shared.

In his address, Telo Tulku Rinpoche paid tribute to the Eighth Kamby Lama Jampel Lodoy, who passed away in June after contracting the coronavirus.

“We have lost a friend whom I remember well from the time of his studies in India. He always turned to me for advice and consultation, asked many questions — it was clear that he cared about the development of Buddhism in the republic,” recounted the Honorary Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Telo Tulku Rinpoche spoke highly of the achievements of the Republic of Tuva in the development of spirituality, especially noting the completion of the construction of the new main temple (khüree).

“When I saw your new Buddhist temple under construction, I wanted to weep,” Rinpoche shared.

Telo Tulku Rinpoche presented to the head of the Republic of Tuva Sholban Kara-ool a letter from the administration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, sent in response to his request to bestow a name on the new khüree. The request had been voiced by the head of the Republic of Tuva during the Teachings of His Holiness for the Buddhists of Russia, which took place in early November and were broadcast online.

“We were glad to see your participation in the Teachings of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, which were given at the request of the Buddhists of Russia. As you requested, I am happy to send you the name for your new monastery, chosen by His Holiness the Dalai Lama: Thubten Shedrubling. I also wish to convey to you the prayers of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and good wishes to you and all the people of the Republic of Tuva,” the message read, signed by the secretary of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Tenzin Taklha.

In conclusion of his address, Telo Tulku Rinpoche presented the newly elected Kamby Lama with a statue of the Buddha, made in the Republic of Kalmykia, as a sign of friendship and mutual support in the cause of preserving and developing the Teaching of Buddha Shakyamuni.