Program of the Celebration of the Day of the First Turning of the Wheel of the Teaching, July 24, 2020

More than two and a half thousand years ago, at the sacred place of Varanasi, Buddha Shakyamuni gave his 5 disciples the first sermon on the Four Noble Truths. This event has timeless significance for all living beings. The Buddha revealed to people that suffering exists in the world, that this suffering has causes, and that, because these causes exist, this suffering can be brought to an end. And most importantly — there is a path that leads out of the circle of endless suffering. For thousands of years the Teaching of the Buddha has benefited millions of people. Buddhist holidays serve as a reminder of the important deeds of the Buddha, of his middle way, which everyone can travel and attain Enlightenment. Attention! All events will be broadcast on our official YouTube channel “The Golden Abode of Buddha Shakyamuni.” July 24, 4:30 — Taking the eight one-day vows (in Kalmyk and Russian) Official YouTube channel of “The Golden Abode of Buddha Shakyamuni” 1. Abstaining from killing 2. Abstaining from stealing 3. Abstaining from sexual misconduct 4. Abstaining from lying 5. Abstaining from alcohol, tobacco, drugs, and other intoxicants 6. Abstaining from eating after midday 7. Abstaining from sitting on high seats 8. Abstaining from the use of cosmetics, perfume, and adornments, songs and dances. July 24, 7:00 — Määdrin ergtsin düütsng (prayer-invocation, circumambulation of the monks around the khurul together with the statue of Buddha Maitreya and the sacred texts of the Kangyur). Official YouTube channel of “The Golden Abode of Buddha Shakyamuni” July 24, 9:00–11:30 — Festive prayer service 1. The Threefold Prayer 2. Taking refuge and generating bodhichitta 3. Text: “The Hundred Deities of Tushita” 4. Migzem (invocation of Lama Tsongkhapa) 5. Text: “The Foundation of All Good Qualities” 6. Text: “Invocation of the 17 Panditas of Nalanda” 7. Text: “Ornament of Clear Realizations” 8. Text in praise of Maitreya “The Crown of Brahma” 9. Aspiration prayer addressed to Maitreya 10. “The Heart Sutra of the Prajnaparamita” 11. Text: “The Golden Drink” (Serjem) 12. Praise of Mahakala “Swift Accomplishment” 13. Dharani of the three deities of longevity (Amitayus, Ushnishavijaya, White Tara) 14. Text addressed to the Dalai Lama: “The Vast Victor” 15. Aspiration prayer for world peace 16. Text: “The Body of Buddha Maitreya” 17. Text: “Reliance on Lama Tsongkhapa” 18. Dedication of merit Official YouTube channel of “The Golden Abode of Buddha Shakyamuni” July 24, 14:00–16:00 — Broadcast of the children’s play “The Bird — Bodhisattva,” directed by T. Paraeva, Children’s Art School No. 1. The play is based on the Indian epic “The Jatakas, or Tales of the Deeds of the Bodhisattvas.” Official YouTube channel of “The Golden Abode of Buddha Shakyamuni” July 24, 16:00–18:00 — Broadcast of the play “I Am Buddha,” Basangov National Drama Theatre Official YouTube channel of “The Golden Abode of Buddha Shakyamuni”