Kalmykia Celebrated the Day of the Birth, Enlightenment, and Passing into Mahaparinirvana of Buddha Shakyamuni

“Wish well to those you meet today. Observe morality over the coming twenty-four hours; this is the little that we can do on this day.” This advice was given in his address by the Shajin Lama of Kalmykia Tenzin Choydak before the beginning of the festive prayer service dedicated to the Day of the Birth, Enlightenment, and Passing into Mahaparinirvana of Buddha Shakyamuni.

On this day, the faithful who arrived from various parts of the republic, as well as numerous guests from other regions, together with the monks of the Central Khurul, offered their prayers to the Great Teacher, giving thanks for the opportunity to comprehend the Dharma and for his boundless love and help. Everyone present also had the opportunity to contemplate and venerate the sacred relics: the Sharira of Buddha Shakyamuni and a sprout of the Bodhi tree. Incidentally, it was grown from the tree under which the Buddha attained Enlightenment. And the Sharira is what appears in the ashes after the cremation of holy beings. It is believed that the Sharira is the very body of the Eternal Buddha.

As before, this special day was met by all with solemnity. For everyone it is yet another opportunity to become better and kinder by observing the moral laws. Happy holiday, compatriots🙏