Calling Kishg Together at the Yangdrub Ritual

The monks of the Central Khurul prepare in advance for the annual tantric rituals. Specially made torma, lit butter lamps, and the 8 auspicious symbols of Buddhism — all of these are offerings to the Protectors of the Teaching. Yet it was precisely today, when another tantric ritual — “Yangdrub” — was held at the khurul, that a special appeal was made to White Mahakala. Everyone gathered in the prayer hall that day, led by the Shajin Lama of Kalmykia Geshe Tenzin Choydak, appealed to this Syakusnu with a request to grant all living beings good fortune, health, well-being, and prosperity.

From early morning and for nearly 6 hours, texts of praise and propitiation to Mahakala were recited. In the more than two decades since this ancient ritual was restored, many know it as a ritual for invoking wealth and good fortune. However, one should not forget that it is aimed not merely at material well-being, but precisely at spiritual development, at self-perfection, and that is far more important and significant. That is, when we speak of wealth, what is meant first and foremost is our merit — buyn. For when much buyn has been accumulated, the other forms of wealth increase automatically.

The most solemn and festive part of “Yangdrub” is considered to be the procession of clergy and believers walking around the Buddhist temple, both outside and inside. Dressed in fine attire, to the sounds of a wind musical instrument (the Dungkar conch), holding the auspicious symbols of Buddhism and festive offerings high above their heads, they called upon Kishg. Each participant in the procession called out yöräls, good wishes, in their native Kalmyk language, receiving in reply a unanimous “Tiigtkhä” (“So be it!”). In that moment, it was as if the entire Buddhist temple echoed aloud wishes to one another, wishes of peace and goodness.

Tomorrow, October 5, the concluding tantric ritual “Tangrak Kangso” will take place. It begins at 9:00 a.m.