The Dalai Lama Will Give Teachings in November

Today, at the republic’s Central Khurul “The Golden Abode of Buddha Shakyamuni,” a press conference was held by the Shajin Lama of Kalmykia, the honorary representative of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama in Russia, the CIS, and Mongolia, Telo Tulku Rinpoche. The Shajin Lama spoke about the upcoming teachings of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. According to the Shajin Lama, despite his venerable age, His Holiness is in good health and is ready to bestow teachings for Russians this year. The teachings will be held online over three days, from November 5 to 7. The broadcast of the teachings will be available on the website of the Central Khurul of Kalmykia. Telo Tulku Rinpoche also commented on the situation regarding the response of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs concerning the visit of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Russia. Previously, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had repeatedly refused to issue a visa to the 14th Dalai Lama, and the current response of the Ministry can be regarded as a de facto refusal; however, the Central Khurul continues to make every effort to resolve this issue. His Holiness’s visit to Kalmykia is important for the believers of the republic for many reasons, one of which is the consecration of the Buddhist temples built during his absence. “I believe that the ritual of consecrating the khurul — rabne — should be performed by the Dalai Lama,” Rinpoche emphasized. The senior administrator of the khurul, Yonten Gelong, also took part in the press conference. He acquainted all those present with the main areas of activity of “The Golden Abode of Buddha Shakyamuni,” which include not only religious projects but also projects of a cultural, educational, and academic nature. Thus, this year the now-traditional free Kalmyk language courses will continue, but due to the difficult situation with the coronavirus, the classes will be held online. Until the end of the year, the publication of the book series “The Legacy of the Kalmyk Lamas” will continue. Together with the regional Ministry of Education and Science, there are plans to introduce an educational module developed by Emory University under the guidance of the 14th Dalai Lama. The module is called “Social, Emotional, and Ethical Learning. Educating the Mind and the Heart.” Conferences, round tables, and seminars are planned with the participation of the teaching and academic community of Kalmykia, clergy, and invited guests. For the khurul’s 15th anniversary, the GTRK “Kalmykia” television and radio company is preparing a documentary film. Also, as part of the anniversary events, the Baatr Basangov Kalmyk Drama Theater is preparing a new production, “Milarepa.” The anniversary events are not limited to religious and cultural-educational areas. Cosmetic repairs are being carried out on the facade of the “The Golden Abode of Buddha Shakyamuni” building, and repairs are planned for the 17 Pandit rotundas and the four prayer wheels on the grounds of the Central Khurul. Modernization of the Central Khurul’s library and museum is planned — new equipment will be purchased for them. Work is also planned on the grounds of the Arshan Khurul: the territory there will be improved and new religious structures will be erected. The Shajin Lama of Kalmykia spoke about how Buddhism can help during the coronavirus pandemic, in particular, how one should behave and organize oneself morally in order to avoid negative consequences. Summing up the press conference, Rinpoche announced that on August 25 the Central Khurul “The Golden Abode of Buddha Shakyamuni” plans to reopen its doors and resume normal operation; in this case, a limit on the number of visitors will be in effect — no more than 50 people.