The believers of Kalmykia began the Buddha’s birthday by taking one-day Mahayana vows

This day, important for every Buddhist — the Birth, Enlightenment, and Passing into Mahaparinirvana of Buddha Shakyamuni — many began with a visit to the Central Khurul. Despite the early morning, when the clock had not yet reached 5:00 a.m., many people gathered in the temple. They all came to take the one-day Mahayana vows.

The Venerable Geshe Lobsang Changchub explained in detail to those gathered these rules of moral discipline that must be observed for 24 hours. There are eight of them. Do not kill, do not steal, do not lie, do not commit adultery, abstain from alcohol, tobacco smoking, and other  intoxicating substances; it is also the renunciation of singing songs, playing musical instruments, dancing, and sitting on a “high” throne. It is also the renunciation of ornaments, the use of cosmetics and perfume, as well as the renunciation of eating food in the afternoon.

Geshe Changchub emphasized that the very fact that each of us has the opportunity in such a sacred month and on such a special day to take the vows of the Great Vehicle is a great merit, buyn. And, of course, it is one more opportunity to draw closer to Awakening and to bring benefit to all living beings.