Annual Tantric Rituals Have Begun in Kalmykia

Torma dyed in different colors were specially prepared for today’s ritual. They were offered to the Protectors of the Buddhist Teaching — Erlg Nomin Khan and Mahakala. It was to them that the monks of the Central Khurul, led by the Shajin Lama of Kalmykia Geshe Tenzin Choydak, directed all their prayers. Today, the first Tantric ritual “Torgyak” was held at “The Golden Abode of Buddha Shakyamuni.”

As in previous years, everything proceeded solemnly and majestically. The sounds of Buddhist musical instruments rang out as if to proclaim to the surroundings that the praising and appeasing of the Syakusn was underway. A prayer service was held throughout the first half of the day. Everyone who came to the temple today, believing in the best and raising their prayers to the deities, asked for peace, tranquility, and harmony. As the clergy note, “Torgyak” helps to pacify harmful spirits and remove obstacles.

The most spectacular part of this ritual is the burning of the “sor” in a fire, which absorbs everything negative. After a special rite is performed, the prepared implement — the trident of Erlg Nomin Khan — is thrown into the ritual fire, signifying victory over our defilements, ignorance, and wrong views. Leaving behind all that is bad, the participants of the ritual turn and walk away without looking back, feeling peace and tranquility.

The next Tantric ceremony will take place on Thursday, October 3. The ritual “Jinseg” will be conducted. It begins at 9:00 a.m.