Today the “Yangdrub” Ritual Was Held at the Central Khurul of Kalmykia
The annual tantric rituals have begun at the Central Khurul of Kalmykia “The Golden Abode of Buddha Shakyamuni.” This year the monastic community, through astrological calculations, decided to begin the tantric rituals with the “Yangdrub” ritual. The monks of the Central Khurul, under the guidance of the Shajin Lama of Kalmykia Telo Tulku Rinpoche, performed today’s ritual, traditionally relying on the deity White Mahakala. The ritual was held in two sessions, during which the monks, having first performed self-generation in the form of Yamantaka, recited texts of praise, propitiation, and offering to the protector — White Mahakala, to accumulate spiritual merit, wisdom, and spiritual wealth for the benefit of all living beings, as well as with a request to grant all living beings good fortune, longevity, health, well-being, and wealth.
“Yangdrub” is a ritual of invoking well-being, wealth, and happiness. This ritual is directed not only toward material well-being but also toward spiritual health and the increase of merit; it attracts all those components necessary for the growth of our prosperity and well-being as a whole. That is, it is a ritual that attracts many different opportunities, creates the necessary conditions for a prosperous life, the attainment of positive qualities, health, good fortune, and good karma — in other words, spiritual wealth.
This ritual includes the consecration of the vessels of wealth “Yangbum,” and so three days before the ritual began the faithful of Kalmykia started bringing them to the Central Khurul. “Yangbum” is a sealed copper vessel containing medicinal herbs and grain crops such as wheat and barley, precious kinds of wood, for example sandalwood, as well as precious metals — gold, silver, precious stones, and incense.
During the ritual the monks and laypeople made a circumambulation around the khurul, invoking well-being and good fortune, reciting good wishes (yöräls): “May our land be blessed!”, “May people be happy and know no suffering!”, “Happiness and well-being to the peoples of Kalmykia!”, “Long life and prosperity to His Holiness the Dalai Lama!”. In their hands the faithful carried embroidered bright khadaks, ritual objects, and offerings.
Tomorrow, October 4, the second ritual — “Jinseg” (Fire Puja) — will take place. We remind you that due to the unfavorable epidemiological situation, the khurul is closed to visitors during the annual rituals; however, all the faithful will be able to take part in the ritual by connecting to the broadcast of the Central Khurul’s official channel on YouTube and Instagram. Names for the prayer service can be sent to the email address moleben.hurul@mail.ru or placed in the special box by the main gates of the khurul.
