Sand Mandalas to Be Created in Kalmykia
At the invitation of the Central Khurul, a delegation of monks from the renowned Drepung Gomang Monastery is returning to Kalmykia to create sand mandalas. This year, the delegation will be led by Venerable Geshe Lharampa Lobsang Shakya.
As in previous years, the program will traditionally cover Elista and the districts of the republic.
✅ From 27 октября, work will begin at Kalmykia’s main temple on a mandala of Buddha Amitayus — the Buddha of longevity and compassion. For five days, the monks will painstakingly create the pattern using colored sand. Until 15 ноября, everyone will have the opportunity to admire the beauty created through many days of meticulous work. Afterwards, a mandala dissolution ceremony will take place.
It should also be noted that lectures offering commentary on Gyalse Thogme Sangpo’s text “37 Practices of Bodhisattvas” will take place at the khurul daily from 27 to 31 октября at 18:00ч. (31 октября — at 16:00). They will be helpful both to those who have long been interested in the teachings and to those who are just beginning to seek a sense of grounding in everyday life.
✅ From 1 to 6 ноября, the delegation will visit the town of Lagan. There, the monks will create a mandala of Yamantaka — a deity associated with overcoming obstacles and gaining inner strength. Serkyem, Chasum and “Dolkar Tsedrub” rituals will also take place: they are intended to purify the space, strengthen protection and create conditions for positive change.
Each day in Lagan will focus on a different topic in the “Fundamentals of Buddhism” lecture series: participants will learn about taking refuge in the Three Jewels, the practice of prostrations, the teachings on Vajrasattva, the law of karma and the meaning of the mantra “Om mani padme hum”. This stage of the program will conclude on 6 ноября with the mandala dissolution ritual.
✅ From 7 to 12 ноября, the program will continue in the settlement of Yashkul, where the monks from India will create a mandala of Green Tara, who is revered as a helper who responds swiftly to requests for support. During these days, the rituals of Yangdrub (for prosperity), Kangso (gratitude to the protectors of the teachings) and Gyabshi (pacifying difficult circumstances) will take place.
The program in Yashkul will conclude with the Fire Puja (Jinsek) ritual on 12 ноября — a powerful symbolic act intended to eliminate negative karmic imprints and open the way for new beginnings.
The schedule of events in Elista and the districts has been published in the official program.
Come with the whole family — may these days be a time of positive change and inner stillness🙏
