In Kalmykia, the faithful took the one-day Mahayana vows in honor of the Buddhist holiday

Today is one of the special holidays for all Buddhists - the Day of Buddha Shakyamuni's Descent from the Tushita Heaven. This is one of the twelve greatest deeds of the Buddha.

From early morning, festive events began at the Central Khurul. Many started this day by taking the one-day Mahayana vows. The Venerable Geshe Changchub explained to the faithful the meaning of the vow-taking ceremony, and how important it is on such a holy day, and in such a holy place, to devote oneself to spiritual practice. He also told them that this day is customarily considered a day of honoring one's parents, a day of honoring the Mother, for it was precisely in gratitude to his mother, Queen Mahamaya, that Buddha Shakyamuni ascended to the Tushita Heaven and bestowed his wise Teaching upon her there. Afterward, the people of the earth called upon the Great Teacher to descend into their world, and he agreed. This took place in the locality of Sankasya - the territory of present-day India. And ever since that time Buddhists have observed this sacred holiday.

Everyone who came to the khurul this morning, taking moral vows for the next 24 hours, dedicated their good merit to all living beings, offering prayers and wishing each one to attain the state of Buddhahood. As the faithful themselves noted, it is a great blessing on such a holy day to take the one-day Mahayana vows, purifying oneself of all the non-virtues accumulated earlier. 

OM MUNI MUNI MAHA MUNIYE SOHA