Congratulations from the Shajin Lama of Kalmykia Telo Tulku Rinpoche on the Day of the Kalmyk National Script “Todo Bichig”

Dear friends, on September 5, the Day of the National Script of the Kalmyk people, the republic remembers Zaya Pandita, a high Buddhist monk, filled with love and compassion for all living beings and selflessly serving his people. The Day of Kalmyk Script in the republic is an occasion not only to remember our great compatriot Zaya Pandita Namkhaijamtso (Oktorguin Dalai), but also to cherish one’s language, culture, and traditions. This day carries within it the idea of turning to the starting point of our culture, which unites all of us in the aspiration toward goodness and justice, in a respectful attitude toward language and traditions. The preservation, knowledge, and respectful attitude toward the Kalmyk language is the path to preserving national self-awareness, to fostering respect and love for the history and culture of one’s people, the culture of the numerous peoples of Kalmykia and Russia. Today, centuries later, the Kalmyk national script “Todo Bichig” still unites us, aiding the cause of the preservation and prosperity of Kalmykia. Therefore our task, as grateful descendants and patriots of our Fatherland, as residents of a Kalmykia rich in the treasures of culture and national traditions, is to cherish this strong thread linking times and generations. On behalf of the entire monastic Sangha and from myself personally, I congratulate you on the Day of Kalmyk Script. Shajin Lama of Kalmykia Telo Tulku Rinpoche