The Compassion and Wisdom of the Buddha: Kalmykia’s Faithful Mark Monlam Chenmo

Today the great prayer assembly at the Central Khurul of Kalmykia continued. A large number of the faithful also took part in the second day of Ik Yöräl (Monlam Chenmo). Once again, we would like to emphasize the importance and significance for every Buddhist of the first 15 days of this lunar month of the Dragon, for it was precisely during this period, several millennia ago, that the Great Buddha displayed his miraculous deeds. Each of them symbolizes the power of compassion and wisdom, the ability of an enlightened one to help living beings, and the boundless capacities of a mind freed from obscurations.

During the days of Monlam Chenmo, the faithful recall these events with gratitude. They do not simply honor the memory of the past — they draw energy for spiritual growth and strive to live according to the precepts of Buddha Shakyamuni. The monastic Sangha of Kalmykia also notes that all of this should be observed not only on the days of great Buddhist holidays or rituals, but should be done every day: to perform virtuous deeds, to bring benefit to all living beings, to reflect on the law of cause and effect, and to abide with pure thoughts and pure motivation.

Tomorrow, March 3, is the concluding day of Ik Yöräl. It will begin with the taking of the one-day Mahayana vows, which will be bestowed by the Venerable Geshe Lharampa Jagba Gyatso. It begins at 6:00 in the morning.