A Delegation of Kalmykia Led by the Shajin Lama Arrives in the Republic of Tuva

“United in Prayer.” Telo Tulku Rinpoche took part in a joint pilgrimage to the holy places of Tuva

A delegation of Kalmykia led by the Honorary Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Russia, Mongolia and the CIS countries, the supreme lama (Shajin Lama) of Kalmykia Telo Tulku Rinpoche arrived in the Republic of Tuva on November 21.

According to Telo Tulku Rinpoche, it was a great pleasure for him to meet again with the local Buddhist community — old friends, many of whom he had not seen for a long time.

“It was very pleasant to return to the Republic of Tuva after so many years and to feel the warmth of these people,” the Shajin Lama recounted, noting how greatly Tuva had changed since his last visit.

“On the road from the airport to the hotel I saw many new buildings — development is in full swing — as well as the new khüree (temple), whose construction is nearing completion. I see many great achievements, and I am very glad for the Tuvans,” Rinpoche recounted.

The delegation of Kalmykia arrived in Kyzyl to take part in the inauguration ceremony of the newly elected Kamby Lama of the Republic of Tuva, scheduled for November 22.

Today the guests of the ceremony made a pilgrimage to holy places — they visited the main khüree “Tsechenling,” the khüree “Damba Braibuling,” as well as the site “Burgan izi — the footprint of the Buddha,” located 40 km from Kyzyl. On the summit of a small mountain, reached by a wooden staircase, a stupa has been built, dedicated to the descent of the Buddha from the Heaven of the Thirty-three gods.

Telo Tulku Rinpoche noted that he was very glad of the opportunity to make a pilgrimage to the sacred mountain and to take part “in the offering of fragrant incense (sang) together with the guests of the inauguration, who arrived from afar — from neighboring regions such as Khakassia, as well as from Irkutsk, Krasnoyarsk, the Aga Buryat Okrug.”

“It was a wonderful feeling — to be united in prayer. Although we all arrived from different regions, we experienced joy from praying together on this special occasion,” Rinpoche noted.

In the evening Telo Tulku Rinpoche met with his friends, who “shared their thoughts on the development of Buddhism in the Republic of Tuva, their joys and concerns.”

“I understand that the process of establishing Buddhism in Tuva continues — development has no limits. But I sincerely wish for the flourishing of the Dharma in the republic and hope that the new temple, to which His Holiness the Dalai Lama recently bestowed a name, will serve this goal,” said the Honorary Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

He expressed conviction that this temple has enormous potential and will be able to play an important role in people’s lives.

“We are now going through a difficult period not only because of the pandemic, but also for social and economic reasons. It is precisely at such a time that the Dharma can play a very important role, bringing peace and tranquility to people’s hearts, dispelling their anxieties and fears. Only the Dharma can help people, only the Dharma can point them the way to liberation from all forms of suffering,” Rinpoche emphasized.

Telo Tulku Rinpoche noted that he offers prayers for the success of the newly elected Kamby Lama.
“He is taking enormous responsibility upon his shoulders, yet much can be achieved if we have the right motivation. Relying on the local Buddhist community, the new Kamby Lama will undoubtedly succeed,” said the Honorary Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Russia, Mongolia and the CIS countries.

“I look forward to the next day here in the Republic of Tuva, where the air is so pure and the people so kind-hearted, and where today representatives of the Sangha from the most diverse regions have gathered,” Rinpoche noted.

The enthronement ceremony of the Ninth Kamby Lama of the Republic of Tuva will take place tomorrow at the V. Kok-ool National Music and Drama Theater. Delegations from Buryatia, Altai and Khakassia will also take part in the ceremony.