On July 28, the Believers of Kalmykia Will Mark the Day of the First Turning of the Wheel of Teaching

“Nomin Kürdin Düütsng” will take place at the Central Khurul.

On July 28, the believers of Kalmykia, together with the entire Buddhist world, will mark one of the main holidays associated with Buddha Shakyamuni — the Day of the First Turning of the Wheel of Teaching. It was on the fourth lunar day of the month of the Rooster, more than 2500 years ago, that Buddha Shakyamuni gave his first Teaching after attaining Enlightenment. Every year on this day, large  festive events are held at the Central Khurul.

Early in the morning, starting at 5:00 a.m., the Venerable Geshe Changchub will confer the one-day Mahayana vows on all who wish to receive them. They are taken for twenty-four hours.

Next, at 8:00 a.m., the traditional ritual will take place

“Määdrin ergts”. Monks dressed in festive attire, together with the believers, solemnly carry out the statue of Maitreya and the sacred Kangyur texts and make a circumambulation around the temple. This circumambulation symbolizes the eternal turning of the Wheel of Dharma.

Afterward, at 9:00 a.m., the celebration will continue with a great prayer service. And at 6:00 p.m., Geshe Lharampa Jagba Gyatso will give teachings on the Four Noble Truths.

Dear believers, we invite everyone who wishes to take part in this momentous religious event. July 28 — the Day of the First Turning of the Wheel of Teaching.